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THE
ANTiaUITIES AND MEMOIRS OFMYDDLK
CO: SALOP.
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^.ANTIQUITIES & MEMOIRS
OP JHB
Parish of. Middle^
COUNTY OF SALOP,
WRITTBK BY
RICHARD GOUGH,
A.D. 1700.
^DNiTT 8r Naunton, Booksel lei^s, The Square
LONDON .—HENRY SOTHERAN & Co., 36, PICCADILLY.
MDCCCIXXV.
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PREFACE,
Mr. Richard Gough, the Author of this remarkable work, lived on his own
freehold Estate at Newton-on-the-Hill, in the parish of Middle. He was
evidently a man of some genius and must have received a good classical educa-
tion. He was bom in the year 1634 and died in 1723.
This History was written in 1 700-1, and is described by the Editor of
the Edition printed in 1834, as "one of the most extraordinary topographical
and genealogical works ever written." It purposes to be the History of his
own Parish. After he has very fully described the Parish itself and the various
objects of interest in it — such as the Church, the Castle, (2fc., he proceeds to
give an account of the different families that had resided in the Parish. For
this purpose he introduces a plan of the Parish Church, and taking each Pew
in turn, gives a genealogical account of its occupants.
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A few copies of this work were privately printed in 1834, by Sir Thomas
Phillipps, at the Middle Hill Press, Worcestershire, under the title of ''Human
Nature displayed in the History of Middle, by Richard Gough." It was how-
ever an imperfect copy and could not have been printed from the original MS.S.
as several pages are wanting in it, which are found in the MS.S itself
The present Edition is printed from one of these copies, lent to the
Publishers by the late Rev. H. Burton; but to ensure accuracy the proof
sheets have been carefully compared with the original manuscript and revised
by the Rev. Prebendary Egerton, Rector of Middle.
The old manuscript itself is in the possession of Mrs. Bickerton, of
Newton-on-the-Hill, whose family inherited, and are in possession of, a part of
Mr. Gough's Estate. The thanks of the Publishers are due for her kindness in
permitting the reviser of the press to have ready and constant access to the
manuscript, and also to the Rev. Prebendary Egerton for the great care and
attention he has bestowed in revising and correcting the proof sheets.
It only remains further to state that the title pages, plans of church, dfc,
are fac-similes, and that the spelling of the original manuscript has been
carefully adhered to.
The Square, Shrewsbury ,
January y 1875.
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THE
Antiquities and Memoirs of Myddle,
BY RICHARD GOUGH.
m
THE SITUATION OF THE PARISH OF MYDDLE.
TDDLE PARISH is whoaly in the hundred of Pimhill, in the county of Salop. Neverthelesse
part of the said parish is in the allotment of Myddle and Loppington, and part of it is
in the libertyes of Shrewsbury, That part of the parish which is in the allotment of Myddle
and Loppington contains Myddle Lordship, and the towne and township of Baldcrton, and is com-
only called this side of the parish. (Now the Lordship of Myddle contains the tcwnes and
townships of Myddle, Marton, Newton on the Hill, and Houlston.) That part of the parish which
lyes in the Libertyes of Shrewsbury, contains Hadnalls Ease, the towne and towneship of Alderton and
Shotton Farme, and is called the further side of the parish. Hadnalls Ease containes the townes and
towneships of Hadnall, Haston, Smethcottand Hardwick Farme. It is not very needful to observe,
that according to the computation of geographers, the middle of this parish is distant northwards
from the world's Equator 52 deg. 53 min., and is in longitude from the meridian of the Isles Azores
or Fortunate Islands 21 deg. 37 min.
THE BOUNDS OF THE PARISH.
Myddle Parish is bounded on the east, with Wem parish, Broughton parish, Clive Chappelry,
Greensell parish, and Shawbury parish; on the south, with the Chappelry of Astley; on the west,
with Battlefield parish, Adbrighton parish, Preston Gubballs parish, Baschurch parish, and Petton;
and on the north, with part of Petton, Loppington parish, and part of Wem parish.
B
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
BROOKES THAT DIVIDE THE PARISH FROM OTHER PARISHES.
Inhere is a small brooke on the east side of the parish, which hath its rise head att a certaine old marie
pitt, called Dimstall Pitt, in Newton on the Hill, this brooke passing awhile through land in Newton,
turns south east, and for a short space parts the lands belonging to Newton from the towneship of
Alderton, and afterwards it parts Myddle parish and Broughton parish, (leaveing Myddle parish on
the westward,) and passing over the lane called the Old Feild Lane, it has there got the name of the
brooke in the Old Feild Lane. (Noate that the lane from this brook imto Haremeare Heath is
whoally in the parish of Myddle). From this lane the brooke passeth through lands in Broughton
parish untill it comes to a conmion called Yorton Heath, and there passing along the lower side of
that common it again parts the parish of Myddle from the parish of Broughton, and near the lower
end of the common Broughton parish steps over this brooke, and there is a small tenement, held by
one George Yeomans, which is on the west side of the brooke, and is in Broughton. Again att the
lower end of this common this brooke receives the waters of a litle brooke, which comes from a
place called Yorton Bridge, and having augmented its waters it passeth along the lower end of
Sandsaw Heath, where it parts Myddle parish and the Chappelry of Clive, and passing by a place
called Watergate, it runs through the lands belonging to Hardwick Farme, (here the men of Greensell
say that the parish of Greensell steps over the brooke (fidemajus)^ but of this hereafter). When this
brooke hath almost passed through Hardwicke grounds it comes to a place called Stanvill dam poole,
which is in the south limit of Hardwicke ground, and from thence passing through a common, it parts
Myddle parish and Shawbury parish, and has there got the name of Peine's brooke. In this common
there is a bridge over this brooke. The West end or half of the bridge is maintained by the owners
or tenants of Hardwicke; and the east end or half, by Shawbury parish, by which it appears that the
brooke is in both parishes. From this bridge, the brooke going southward, and parting the said
parishes, soon after is augmented by the waters of a litle brooke which hath its rise Head near
Smethcott, and passing over crosse the street of Haston it comes to Hadnall, and there passing over
crosse the street at the lower end of the towne it soon after empties itself into this brooke. Afterward
this brooke passeth through lands belonging to Hadnall, for here the parish of Myddle steps over the
brooke towards Shawbuiy Heath. Afterwards this brooke leaveing Myddle parish, comes to Astley,
and passing thence, and receiving the waters of other small currents it comes at last to Pimley Mill,
and soon after empties itself into the river of Severn.
There is another little brooke on the west side of Myddle parish, this brooke hath its rise Head
near Petton, and passing on the south-east, it parts Myddle parish, and Baschurch parish, and comes
over cross the lane that leads from Marton to Weston Lullingfield, from this lane it passes through
meadows (still parting the said parishes) and receiving some increase by the waters that issue out
of the Burgh poole, and afterwards comes to a lane that leads from Marton to Baschurch, at which
place it has got the name of the old Mill Brook. For it k likely that a mill stood here formerly, but
now there is onely a tan house, which was first erected by Richard Acherley, great grandfather of
Andrew Acherley, now (1700) living.
There is a bridge over this brook in the said lane, «ehich bridge (some years past) was out of
repaire, and the parishioners of Baschurch parish did require the parish of Myddle to repaire the
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. ii
one half of this bridge alleagemg that Thomas Acherley of Marton had formerly done so. Rowland
Hunt, of Boreatton, Esq., being a justice of the peace, and living in Baschurch parish, was very sharp
upon the inhabitants of Myddle parish beecause they refused to repair half the bridge. But the
parishioners of Myddle answeared that the brooke was whoaly in the parish of Baschurch, and was the
Hayment or fence of the men of Baschurch parish, betweene their lands and the lands in Myddle
parish. And as to the objection, that Thomas Acherley had repaired the one half, they answered
that Thomas Acherley had a considerable estate in lands in Basdiurdi parish, which hee held in his
own hands at the time of repairing of the bridge, and that Thomas Acherley, was then liable to work
att the highways (with his teame and servants) in the parish of Baschurch ; and the parishioners of
Myddle were ready to prove, that by agreement between the surveyors of the high ways in Baschurch
parish, and the said Thomas Acherley, hee was to repair half the bridge, and to be excused for that
year for working at the highways. The parishioners of Myddle desired that search might be made
in the parish books of Baschurch concerning the repairs of this bridge, for there was nothing in the
parish books of Myddle to that piupose, because Myddle had nothing to do with it.
Not many dayes after John Husband, one of the surveyors of the parish of Baschurch, came to
Myddle Church, and there acquainted several of the inhabitants of the parish of Myddle (of which
munber I was one) that upon search of the parish books of Baschurch, it was found that Baschiurch
parish had formerly repaired the said bridge whoally ; and he desired that the men of Marton would
repair the causeway at the end of the bridge next to Marton, and would lay a good stone at the end
of the causeway for the end of the bridge to rest upon. This being done the surveyors of the high-
ways of the parish of Baschurch provided and laid a broad stone flagge over the said brooke for
a bridge, which continues to this day From this bridge the brooke runs eastward, still partingthe
said parishes, and at last empties itself into Marton Poole.
There is another Brook which takes its rise Head at a litde pond or moate in Preston Gubballs,
and passing thence to Haremear, it goes through the middle of it, and leaves it at a place called
the Meare House, and passing still northward it goes over cross the lane or road way that leads from
Ellesmeare to Shrewsbury ; it there runs under a stone bridge, built about sixty years past att the
parish charge, and att the instigation of Robert More, brother, and farmer, of Mr. Thomas Mpre,
then Rector of Myddle. This bridge is called Bristle Bridge, the reason of this name was thus:
there Ls a certain cave in the rock near this bridge, this cave was formerly a hole in the rock, and
was called the Goblin Hole, and afterwards was made into a habitation, and a stone chimney built up
to it by one Fardo, after whose death one William Preece, son of Griffith ap Reece of Newton on the
Hill, (a wealthy tenant there holding the lands of Mr. Corbett, Esq., in Newton; dwelt in it This .
William Preece was set an apprentice by his father Lo a goldsmith in London, but hee soon out went
his master, and went for a soldier, (in Queen Elizabeth's time,) into the Low Countries, At his
return hee married the daughter of Chetwall of Peplow, in the parish of Hodnett, and came to live
in this cave. After his return from the wars he told so many romanticke storyes, of his strange
adventures, that people gave him the name of Scoggan, by which name (at last) hee was better known
than by the name of William Preece. But amongst the rest of the storyes that were told of him, or
by him, one was, that hee had killed a monstrouse boar, of soe large a size that the bristles on his back
were as big as pikeeavell grains. This story being fresh among the neighbours and the workmen that
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12 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
were building the said bridge, they gave it the name of Bristle Bridge, which name still continues^
From thence the brook runs to Myddle, and, crossing the street there, it goes under a piece of
building, built over it by the said Robert More ; soon after it comes again to the roadway that
leads from Ellesmeare to Shrewsbury, and going over cross that way it has got the name of Pen-
brooke, and passing thence it comes to certain meadows called Myddle Pools, and passing thence
it goes to a large pasture called the Lessuages, at the further side whereof it receives a small brooke
which comes from Burlton moors, and then turning eastward it parts the parish of Myddle and the
parish of Wem, and passing between Sleape Hall and Sleape Towne, it has got the name of Sleape
Brooke, and passing on (still parting the said parishes) it comes to Tilley park, and there leavii^
Myddle parish it soon after joins with a brook that comes from Burlton Mill, and afterwards, passing
by Tilley it empties itself into Wem Mill-pool, and so mixeth its waters with the river of Roden.
OF THE CHURCH OF MYDDLE.
As to the time when, and by whom, this church was built, these things are long since biuied in
the depth of antiquity that it is impossible to make any other discovery of them; but yet the steeple
was built in our Fathers' time or about the beginning of my time, for I believe it was about the year of
our Lord 1634. The steeple was at first built of stone as high as the walplatt of the church, and upwards
it was built of timber. In the time that Mr. Ralph Kinaston was rector of Myddle, the timber part
of the steeple was ruinous, and the said Mr. Kinaston did desire the parishioners to take it wholly
down, and rebuild it, and offered that at his own charges he would lay the ground work and would build
above ground the height of his stature, and there place a stone in the wall to show how high hee had
built at his own charge. But the parishioners not agreeing, Mr. Kinaston died, and soon after part
of the steeple did fell, and then the parishioners of Myddle parish were forced to rebuild it, and I doubt
had little or noe assistance from Mr. Moore then rector. The mason that built it was one John Dod,
who afterwards lived at Clive. I have heard that he had for his wages £5 a-yard for evefy yard
from the bottom of the foimdation to the toppe of the battlements. Thomas Jukes of Newton on
the Hill (a person very able and fitt for any country employment) was one of the churchwardens at
that time, but who the other was I have not heard, so that I believe this Thomas Jukes went through
with the whole concern and that it may be said of them, as it was of Julius Ceesar and Bibulus, when
they were consuls of Rome, viz: — ^That such a thing was done when Julius and Csesar were consulls.
**Nam Bibulo factum consule nil memini."
HADNALL CHAPPEL.
This Chappel was built by the ancestors of the inhabitants of Hadnall's Ease, and is a chappel of
ease as appears. First, because no other persons have any seats or kneeling within this chappel,
save only the inhabitants of Hadnall's Ease. Secondly, because there is no allowance or maintenance
for a minister there, save only what is given as of free guift Thirdly, because the inhabitants of
Hadnairs Ease do maintain and repair this Chappell at their own proper charges, and yet they doe
pay Leawans to the churchwardens of Myddle for the repairing of the parish church.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 13
The inhabitants of Hadnall's Ease have endeavoured several times to get an allowance from the
rector of Myddle, for the maintenance of their minister, and also to have seats in Myddle church, but
their endeavoxnrs have proved ineffectualL The last time they endeavoured was by a petition,
presented to the Reverend Bishop, Dr. Lloyde, formerly Bishop of St Asaph, and then Bishop of
Coventry and Litchfield, and now Bishop of Worcester. He was one of the seven Reverend Bishops
that had ventured to present a petition to the late King James, for which they were all comyted
to the Tower, and soon after tried at the King's Bench, and there acquitted, to the great comfort
and rejoicing of all good people in England.
I have here inserted the petition concerning Hadnall's Ease, as it was presented to the said Bishop
by some of the inhabitants of Hadnall at Shrewsbury, in his primary visitation of this part of his
Diocese of Coventry and Litchfield, and also the Bishop's answer as it was given by him at Adbaston,
a little town in this nearer side of the county of Stafford, where the Bishop then dwelt, because his
castle at Eclesall was in repairing.
I believe the petition was drawn by Francis Berkeley, of Hadnall, Esq., for Chappeldiy is writte
instead of Chappeby, and I know of no other one but Mr. Berkeley that writes it soe.
HADNALL PETITION.
To the Reverend Father in God, William, by Divine Providence,
Lord Bishop of Litchfield and Coventry.
The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the Chappelldry of Hadnall, in the Parish of Myddle, in
the County of Salop, within your Lordship's Diocese, humbly sheweth, that whereas your Petitioners,
being thirty families, and three longmyles distant from the Mother church of Myddle, and having a
chappell at Hadnall, which your petitioners doe maintaine at your petitioners own charge, and likewise
doe contribute a fourth part towards the maintenance of the said Church of Myddle, and whereas the
tythes of your said petititioners' estates, within in the said Chappelldry being a fourth part of the said
parish, are worth fifty poimds per annum ; and your petitioners having noe seates in the said parish
Church of Myddle, to have divine service, and to participate of the holy sacraments,
Your petitioners doe humbly pray that your Lordship, out of your religiouse care for the welfare of your
petitioners in the premisses would be pleased to order the present incumbent to provide for your peti-
tioners, a competent curate to read divine service, and administer the holy sacrament to )rour petitioners,
or to make such reasonable allowance, for the maintenance of such a Curate, as your Lordship, in your
most pyouse charity, shall think fitt
And your petitioners shall ever pray.
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14 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
MY LORD BISHOPS ANSWEARE.
Adbaston, 21st Aug, — gj.
Gentlemen, — Having spoken with Mr. Dale concerning your demand, and a better allowance for the
Chappell of Hadnall, hee told mee hee is not bound to make any allowance, because it is only a chappell
of ease built by your ancestors for their own better convenience ; and that there was never anything paid
towards the serveing of that chappell by any of his predecessors. However, hee did of his own accord
give five pounds a-year, and so much hee is willing to continue as long as you will take it of firee gift,
but if you will stand with him for more, you shall have only what the law will give you.
This being the sume of his answeare, as I understand it, I thought good to acquaint you with this, to
the end that if you can prove any contract for the payment of any salary to your curate by the Rector
of Myddle, or if you can prove such custom of payment, you would acquaint me with it, for by either
of these you may oblige the present Rector to do what has been done formerly ; but, if that which you
desire bee a new thing without either contract or custom, it is not in my power to impose it ; and at
present, this being a time of extraordinary payments, I know not how to persuade him to it
For your seates in the parish church of Myddle, it seems very reasonable that they should be in
proportion to yoiu: payment, which you say is one-fomth part of what is paid for the whole parish ;
but this should have been long since considered when the seats were first disposed of, or at least
before there was a prescription against you, which the lawyers will tell you puts it out of the bishop's
power to give you any remedy. All the power that I have, is only in such parts of the church to
which there is no prescription, and if you can find any voyd place in that parish church, I shall do
you all the reason you can desire in disposeing of it
I am your assured friend and servant,
W. GOV. & LICH.
To my respected fiiends, the Inhabitants of the
Chappelry of Hadnall, in the parish of Myddle.
This paper contains a true coppy of a petition delivered to my Lord Bishop of Goventry and
Litchfield by the inhabitants of Hadnall, in his Lordship's primary visitation, held in theyeare 1693,
togeather with his Lordship's answeare thereimto, being both compared and examined by us.
5th Sept 1699. FRA. EVANS, Nor. Pub.
THOS. HUGHES, Nor. Public.
ADVOWSON AND PATRONS.
" Jus Patronatus est jus honorificum, onerosum et utile." — Juv : Sat :
The Advowson of Myddle church did formerley belong to the ancient and worthy family of the
Chambres of Petton, many of which fanuly are interred in the Ghancell there, as appears by a large
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 15
gravestone lying toward the south side of the said chancell, within the communion rails with several
brasses uponit ; there is an inscription upon it, and there is a brass with the coate of arms of theChambres
and of several of their matches upon it
When the Right Honourable Lord Keeper Egerton had purchased the Manor of Myddle, he soon
after purchased the advowson of Arthur Chambre, Esq. (some say for 100/.,) and now the patronage
beelongs to the Right Honourable John, Earl of Bridgewater, who is lineally descended from, and right
heire of, the said Lord Keeper.
RECTORS OF MYDDLE.
Note that one Tong was Rector of Myddle between the time of Foster and Wilton, but I can say nothing of him.
I have heard of one Foster, or Forester, formerly Rector here. But because hee lived here before
the Reformation, (as I believe,) wee have nothing memorable of him; I will therefore begin with Mr.
Thomas Wilton, a Reverend divine, and the first (as I conceive) after the Reformation. He con-
tinued Rector of this place manyyears. He was careful to Reforme those things, tiiat through negligence,
were grown into disorder, and to settle things in such a way as might conduce to the future peace and
benefit of the parishioners.
The parish Register before Mr. Wilton's time was written in several pieces of parchment or paper,
but hee caused a Parchment book to be made, and therein transcribed, I believe, with his own
hand,* all that had been before entered on small parcells. Att the time of transcribing the Register,
Richard Gough (my great-grandfather, or my father's great-grandfather, I know not whether, for they
had both the same christian name of Richard, as likewise all that were chief of our family have had
for many generations) was churchwarden, with one Humphrey Reynolds, a wealthy farmer of the farm
called the Holling; the Churchwardens subscribed their names (I suppose with their own hands,)
at the bottom of every page of the Register that was then transcribed.
Mr. Wilton wrote down with his own hand in the Register book, the agreement made between
the inhabitants of Hadnall's Ease and those of this side of the parish concerning the payment of
Church Leawans, and subscribed it with his own hand; and also the order or manner of repairing the
church-yard hayment, and likewise the usual way or custom of paying publick taxes in this Allot-
ment of Myddle and Loppington, but of these I have spoke more at large in my book of Leawans.
I have not heard that he ever had any child. He died at Myddle in a good old age, and lies
interred about the middle of the chancel, imder a large grave-stone, with a brass upon it and this
inscription : —
"Here lyes the body of Thomas Wilton, Gent, M.A., preacher of God's word, an<} parson some
time of this church, who married with Elizabeth Longford, daughter of Mr. Richard Longford of
Treffalin in the county of Denbigh, Esq., who deceased the 5th day of July, Anno Domini 1596."
About forty years ago, a certain Reverend grave divine came to Myddle and sojourned with Mr.
Joshua Richardson, then Rector. They called him Dr. Richardson. I suppose hee was outed of some
* These I mistook for Mr. Kinaston transcribed the Register.
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i6 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
benefice by the Parliament party. Hee preached sometimes atMyddle,hee wore always, (yea, even when
he was preaching,) a dagger at his girdle under his upper garment He died at Myddle and was buried
under Mr. Wilton's grave-stone. I saw the bottom of Mr. Wilton's coflBn taken up ; it was a plank of
about two or three inches thick, and was not consumed although Mr. "W^ton had been buried above
fifty yeares.
Next to Mr. Wilton, was Mr. Ralph Kinaston who was well descended, deriving his pedigree
(though by many descents) from the ancient and worthy family of the Kinastons of Hordley.
Hee was a person of bold and undaunted spirit, which appears in that hee adventured the lists in a
great suit at law, (about the bounds of the parish in some part of Hardwick farme) with Sir Humphrey
Lea, of Lea Hall, who was a person brought up to the law, but when his eldest brother died without
issue hee cast ofThis Barre gown and entered upon his patemall estate. He was one of the first Baronetts
that were created in Shropshire by Kling James I. This Sir Humphrey Lea was impropriator of the
tythes of Greensell parish, and he then claimed and carried away the tjrthes of some peices of land
belonging to Hardwicke which were then, and still are by some persons, reputed to bee in the parish
of Myddle.
There is a small brooke that runs through the lands belonging to Hardwicke ferme, which leaves part
of the lands of this farme on the east side of the brooke towards Greensell, andleavesHardwickeHalland
the rest of the lands on the west side towards Myddle parish. This brooke, before it comes to Hardwicke
grounds, and after it leaves them, parts Myddle parish from other parishes, and is the bound of Myddle
parish. Mr. Kinaston claimed all the lands of Hardwicke that were on the west side of the brooke to
be in Myddle parish ; but Sir Humphrey Lea aleaged, that Greensell parish did in this place step over
this brooke, and that part of the lands of Hardwicke that lay on the west side of the brooke were in
Greensell parish. This was the matter in variance. The suit proved long and tedious, perhaps by
the subtellyes and delayes of Sir Humphrey Lea, who usually carried all before him in matters of law.
Howbeit, it came at last to comission to examine witnesses, when Sir Humphrey Lea produced a
record, (as I may call it,) out of the leger booke of the Abbey of LylshuU, to which Abbey the towne
of Greensell and the faime of Hardwicke did formerly belong. And here we must noate, that every
Abbot kept a monastery registry (which they called a leger booke,) of all material things belonging
to the estates of their Abbey, and did likewise make another Leger booke of the same and deposit it in
the hands of some neighbor-abbot thereby to prevent fraudulent dealing in erasing or altering, and to
prevent the losse of theire bookes by fire or other accidents. So that a l^er book of Lylshull Abbey
was kept at Haughmond Abbey as well as at LylshulL The copy taken out of the l^er book con-
cerning this matter was as foUoweth ; —
E MoNASTico Registro db Haughmond, fol. 65.
Limes quidem villae de Grisull alias Grilleshill.
Imprimis unus limes indpit ad milne poole de Hardwick in austro et se extendit per ductum aquae
ad viam quae dudt ad Grilleshull et ab illft vii usque ad portam de small Heath, et ab illo loco usque
ad Le Ker et ab illo loco usque ad Gries^ et ad Hawis Cross, et usque ad Pinchbrook, et ab illo loco
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 17
usque ad Heathend, et usque ad Brickhill et sic ad portam de Oakeley, et sic ad locum primum ubi
incipit. See page 29 postea.
What benefit this blind accoimt of the Limitts of Greensell could doe Sir Humphrey Lea I cannot con-
ceive, since there are only foure places of these limits known at this day, and one of them is much sus-
pected wheather it be right. The men of Greensell say, that the brooke that runs firom the mill-poole and
is called Peinsbrook, is the^same which was formerly called Pinchbrook, but they have only the vicinity
of the name to prove it; and it is possible that this Pinchbrook is some other place that has long
since lost its name, as well as those other places, viz. Small Heathgate, Griesty, Hawis Cross, Heath
End, Brickhill, Oakeley Gate, have lost their names, and are at this day utterly unknown, whatever
Greensell men would have others to conjecture.
But those three places that are apparently known are the Mill-poole, the way that leads to Greensell
and the Scar of the Rocke. Now two of these places doe make it plainly to appear, that the brooke that
runs through Hardwicke grounds, does there part the parish of Greensell and the parish of Myddle, and
that Greensell parish comes no further westward but to the brooke. For thus it is. The limitt begins
at the Mill-poole of Hardwicke in the south, and extends itself along the water-course into the way
that leads to Grilleshill. . Now this Brooke or water-course enters into Hardwicke grounds, at the way
that leads to Greensell, and going through those grounds, it goes out of the grounds of Hardwicke in
the south, just below the Mill-poole. Therefore it is plaine, that Greensell parish goes no further but to
. the said brooke or water-course, and that this water-coiurse is the bound or limitt of the parish of
Greensell on the west side.
But to proceed. After the said comission, Sir Humphrey Lea was forced to procure, or least wise
to submitt to a reference. The Arbitrators were Sir Andrew Corbett, of Morton Corbett, and Sir Francis
Newport, of High Erchall, grandfather of the now (1700) Earle of Bradford. I have heard that there
was an award made, and Mrs. Aletha Clifford, of Lea Hall, (mother of Mr. Richard Cleaton, now
an infant, and impropriator of the tythes of Greensell,) told me, that she had this award in her custody,
and that it was made in the 7th yeare of King James, A. D. 1609, firom whence to this yeare 1700,
is about ninety-one yeares. She told me further, that Mr. Kinaston had some compensation towards
his costs of suit; but, perhaps, it was for the tythes dining his life, for it is unlikely that the
Arbitrators would give him costs if he were in the wrong. To conclude, our adventurouse Rector
might justly say of his contest with this great person, as Ajax did of his combat with Hector,
' Si qusmtis hujus
Fortimam pugnffi, non sum superatus ab illo."
This Mr. Kinaston kept good hospitality and was very diaritable. An instance of the latter, I will
briefly mention. There was a poor weaver, named Parks, who lived in Newton on the Hill, he had
eleven children, all baptized by Mr. Kinaston ; at the baptizing the tenth or eleventh, Mr Kinaston
said (merrily,) " Now one child is due to the Parson," to which Parks agreed, and Mr. Kinaston choase
a girle, that was about the middle age among the rest, and brought her up at his own house, and she
became his servant ; and when she had served several years, he gave her in marriage with thirty, some
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i8 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
say sixty pounds' portion to one Cartwright, who lived beyond Ellesmeare, and had an Estate to balance
such a portion.
Mr. Kinaston had a good estate in Llansanfraid, in the county of Montgomery. I have heard of but
two sons that hee had, (viz.) Ralph and Nathaniel. To his son Ralph hee gave his Estate in lands. —
Hee had issue, Nathaniel, who married Eleanor, daughter of Mr. Thomas Acherley, of Marton, in this
parish. Nathaniel, the second son, was brought up a scoller, and died at Oxford. Mr. Kinaston died at
Myddle, and lies interred in the Chancell there, in the passage that goes out of the Chancell into the
middle of the Church, under a gravestone, with a brasse upon it and this inscription :
" Here lyeth the body of Ralph Kinaston, M. A. Prebend of St Asaph, Chapline to King James,
Parson of Myddle ; where after thirty-three years, he had carefully and religiously performed his calling,
his Soule went unto his Maker to give an accoimt thereof, Nov. 8th., A. J). 1629 A°. -^tat. 69."
Mr. Kinaston was succeeded, (but not exceeded,) by Mr. Thomas More, a Yorkshireman, the first
Rector that was presented by the Earl of Bridgewater. This Mr. More was Rector of Myddle, and Vicar
of Ellesmeare. His residence was at Ellesmeare. Hee kept a curate at Myddle and let out the whoale
tythes to his brother, Robert More, at a dearer value than ever they have been since sett for. Hee
had his rent paid weekly, not daring to adventure his brother too far. Hee was much comended for an
excellent preacher and as much blamed for his too much parsimony, or covetousenesse, and want of
charity. Hee came constantly once a month to officiate at Myddle. Hee would ride to the church-style,
goe straighte into the Church, and after the Service and Sermon ended, he would take horse at
the church-style and ride back to Ellesmeare. Hee regarded not the repaire of the parsonage-house and
buildings, one large bam whereof went to mine in his time. The riches and money that hee had got
together, he lived to see most of them spent by his children. Hee was a loyal subject to King Charles
the ist., and therefore to avoid the troubles that the Parliament forces did put him to, he left his places,
and fled to London. During his absence, his places were slenderly and seldom served. About the
year 1646, or soone after, the Parliament (having gained the upper hand of the King's forces,) began to
displace all scandalous and insufficient ministers, and all malignants, (for so they caUed all such
as had adhered to the King,) whereupon Mr. More came into the country seeking to retain his places.
Hee was entertained by Robert Corbett Esq., who had a great respect for him, upon the account of his
excellent preaching. During his stay, he preached every Lord's day in Cockshutt chappell. But notwith-
standing Mr. Corbett's and his own endeavours, hee was outed of both his places, and preaching his
farewell sermon in the said chappell, (because hee could not be admitted into either of his parish
churches,) hee went back again to London, and never returned again into this country.
The same power that displaced Mr. More did, in his stead, place in Myddle Mr. Joshua Richard-
son, M.A., son of Joshua Richardson, of Broughton, upon condition that hee would allow the tythes
of HadnalFs Ease, or pay a salary much what equivalent to the value thereof to a preaching minister,
to bee constantly resident in Hadnall's Ease.
This Mr Richardson was an able and laborious minister. His whoale employment was about the
concemes of his ministry ; his wife being a pmdent and careful woman, managed the rest of his affaires
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. xg
with great dUigence and discretion. After the death of Mr. More, the Right Hon. John Earle of
Bridgewater (knowing that Mr. Richardson was well beloved in his parish,) by a certaine kind of state
amnesty permitted him to continue minister on the same termes and conditions that hee was put in by
the parliament This Mr. Richardson built that part of the parsonage house which is the kitchen
and the romes below it, in which hee made use of so much of the timber as was left of the bame that
fell downe in Mr. More's time.
After the Restauration of King Charles the Second, when the Act for conformity came out, Mr.
Richardson refuseing to subscribe the declaration incerted in the act concerning the solemn League
and Covenant, lost his place; and with him fell the minister of Hadnall's Ease. I had so much
intimate acquaintance with Mr. Richardson, that hee would willingly have conformed to the disci-
pline and constitution of the Church of England, but hee tould mee hee could not with a safe con-
science subscribe to the declaration against the Covenant Hee received the tythes due before
Bartholomew-tide, according to the act of parliament, at which time all the rye and the wheate was
gott in, and some oates. Hee removed to Broughton, where hee lived one yeare with his brother,
Captain Richardson, and afterwards went to a farme called Ditches, near Wem, but when the act of
Parliament came forth that noe outed Minister should live within five miles of the place where hee
had formerly officiated, hee removed to Alkinton, neare Whitchurch (the place firom whence his father
came, when hee had purchased his lands in Broughton, of Mr. Ottey). Here Mr. Richardson lived
a private, peaceable, and pyouse life; exercising himselfe in religious duties, and instructing and
teaching his owne and some of his relations children in good literature.
Hee dyed at Alkinton, and was buried at Whitchiurch. Dr. Fowler preached his ftmerall sermon,
and there gave him a deserved comendation. Hee bequeathed a certaine number of Bibles, and
of those bookes of Mr. Baxter entitled, "A Call to the Unconverted," to bee given to certaine poore
people in the parishe of Myddle, after his decease, which legacy was faithfully performed by his
prudent widdow and executrix.
Hee was succeeded bye Mr. William Hollway, M.A., some time student of Christ Church, in
Oxford. The transactions and occurences of his time are fresh in memory, and, therefore, I shall
only say, that hee was a man short-sighted, but of a discerning spirit to discover the nature and
dispositions of persons. Hee was naturally addicted to passion, which hee vented in some hasty
expressions, not suffering it to gangreene into malice. Hee was easily persuaded to forgive injuries
but wisely suspiciouse (for the future) of any one that had once done him a diskindnesse.
Hee died about Midsummer, A.D, 1689, and lyes hurried in Myddle chancel, within the
communion rails, under an old plaine Grave-stone, over against the middle of the communion table.
Huic successit Hugo Dale Art. Mag. aliquandiu
Sodus CoIL iEneanasensis Oxon.
Ad Hugonem Dale
Dii tibi sint faciles et dent tibi Nestoris annos
Casurum nullo tempore nomen habe.
Sit fortuna tibi (plus quam tua vota) secunda
Dux. Es Divitibus pauperibusq. pater
Ii^nuae vires, pia mens, corpusque salubre
HiBc (et plura; precor sint tibi dona Dei
Sit ex animo Exoptat R. G.
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20 , ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
PARISH CLARKS.
The first that I remember was Will. Hunt, a person very fitt for the place, as to his reading and
singing with a clear and audible voice ; but for his writeing I can say nothing. Hee comonly kept
a petty schoole in Myddle. There was a custom in his time, that upon Christmas day, in the
aftemoone after divine service, and when the minister was gone out of the churche, the clarke should
sing a Christmas carroll in the chiu'che, which I have heard this Will. Hunt doe, beeing assisted by
old Mr. Richard Gitting, who bore a base exceeding well. This Will Hunt lived in that tenement
in the lower end of Myddle, which is called Himt's Tenement
The next was Richard Ralphs, a person in all respects well quallyfied for that office. In his time
there was an ordinance of parliament that there should bee a parish register swome in every parish.
His office was to publish the banns of marriage, and to give certificates thereof; and alsoe to register
the time of all births (not christenings), weddings, and burialls. This Richard Ralphs was swome
Register of this parish by Robert Corbett, of Stanwardine in the Wood, Esq., then Justice of the
peace and quorum, and custos rotulorum of this county. Not long after the restaination of King
Charles the Second, the young people of Myddle, and some drunken fellowes, were about setting up
a May-pole neare the churche stile in Myddle, and this Richard Ralphs spoke some words against
them ; upon which hee was brought beefore Francis Thomes, of Shelvocke, Esq., then justice of
peace, and there it was deposed on oath, against him, that hee said it was as greate a sin to sett up a
May-pole, as it was to cut of the King's head. (These wordes hee denied, even to his dying day.)
Upon this, hee was boimd over to the Assizes, and there indicted for these treasonable words, and
fined in five marks ; and an order was made that hee should louse his place.
Mr. Hollway, in the roome of Ralphs, choase Thomas Highway, a person alltogeather unfitt for
such an imployment Hee can read but litle ; hee can sing but one tune of the psalmes. Hee
can scarse write his owne name, or read any written band, but because hee continued all Mr.
Hollwa/s time, and has now gott an able assistant (viz) John Hewitt, jun., a person in all points
well quallifyed for the place, therefore Mr. Dale is pleased to continue him altho' hee is now litle
more then a sexton.
Turpius ejicitur quam non admittitur Hospes.
As to the gleabe, tythes, customes, fees, &c. of this parish, I shall give an accomp, as faithfiill as I
can, out of my notes for direction for drawing the Terrior thereof, which I did, not long since,
ingrosse in parchment, in three parts ; one of them was delivered into the Bishop's Court, another is
kept in the parish chest, and the third is in the hands of Mr. Dale.
A Terrior of buildings, gleabe lands, tythes, customes, fees,&c belonging to the Rectory of Myddle
in the coimty of Salop, exhibited Aprill 26, A.D. 1699.
The Parsonage House, containeing four bayes ; the Back house, or Kilne, one bay ; the Bame
five bayes ; the Stable and Beast house, two bayes ; one bay of building in the Chappell Yard, of Had-
nall ; the Repaire of the Chancell at Myddle, and all seats erected therein, belongs to the Rector of
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 21
Myddle. The Garden containeing about the eighth parte of an acre ; the Fowl yard containeing
about the eighth parte of an acre ; the yard containeing about a quarter of an acre ; the Fould yarde
containeing a^)out the sixteenth parte of an acre ; the Herbage or pasturage of the Church yarde,
togeather with the Chappell yard of Hadnall, for which latter, the Rector receives ix. per annum of
the side men of Hadnall for the time being.
All tythes are paide in kinde to the Rector; (viz. the tenth parte,) except these customes
following : —
For Haremeare farme, the Rector receives 5 j. 4//. yedrley in lieu for all manner of tythes ; for a
piece of land called the Hall Marshe, is, yearley ; for the tythe hay of certaine lands in Hadnall,
4f. Sd. yearley, payable the Sunday next after Battlefield fair, and brought to the Church of Myddle
on that day. As for wool, lambs, piggs, and geese, if there bee seaven, the Rector has one for tythe,
and then hee must pay to the parishioner three half pence for those three that are wanting to make
ten : but if there bee under seaven, then the Rector has onely an half-penny a piece for them, and
does not count on till they come to ten : and soe if there bee seventeen, then the Rector has one for
the ten, and one for the seaven, pa5ring three half-pence. But if there bee above ten, and under seven-
teen, then the Rector has one for the ten, and a half-penny for every one that is above ten : and soe
for a greater number, (although some doe count on with the Minister.) The manner of tything lambs,
piggs, and geese, is for the owner to choose two out of every tytheable number, and the tytheman toe
choose the third. Butt if the owner have sold any, then the tytheman is to choose first out of those
that are imsold ; and if any sheep are sold in the wooU, then the seller is to pay 4d. per mensem for
every score, firom shearing time imtill the time of sale, and soe after that rate for a greater or lesser
number. The tythe of wooll, lambs, and geese, is due at Midsummer, yearley : and of piggs when
they are fourteen nights old.
Easter Dues. — For every Milch cow the Rector is to have id,: for every calfe beetweene Easter and
Easter, yearley, an half-penny ; for every colt, 4//.; for every stall of bees that are put down, 2d,; a
garden, id,; a smoake, id.; for every one that receives, or that is of age to receive the sacrament, 2d.
yearley, which wee call offerings. Easter eggs are paid (viz) three for the cocke, two for every hen,
and soe for ducks and turkeys.
Mortuaryes in this parish are payd to the Rector according as the statute directs.
Herbage is paid here, after the rate of 2od, in the poimde.
For wages, a man servant pays 6d, per annum ; a woman servant, 4//.
For christnings in Church, nothing ; for Churching, 4//.; for Banns with a certificate, two shillings ;
For Banns without a certificate, is,; for a marriage with licence, 5s.; for a marriage by Banns, 2s. 6d. ,
For Burrying a Corpse in the Churche yard, in a coffin, is,; without a coflin, 6d.;
For Burrying a Corpse in the Church in a coffin, 2s.; without a coffin, is,; for regestering, 4^/.
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22 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Hadnall Chappel is a Chappel of Ease in Myddle parish, built by the inhabitants for theire owne
better convenience, for which the Rector is not bound to provide eyther by custom or by contract,
as wee know oi.
The Clarke is to have from every farme at Easter, 6//., and at Christmas, 6d., or a ciufewe loafe.
From every tenement at Easter, 4^/.; at Christmas, 4^., or a curfeW loafe ; from every half tenement
or Greater Cottage at Easter, 2d,\ and at Christmas, 2d,\ from every small Cottage at Easter, 2//.;
from every house-holder at Easter, in eggs or money, id.\ Bell sheaves which are three sheaves of rye,
or of other come if there bee no rye ; Christnings, his dinnere and 2/f.; Burialls in the Church yard,
with CoflSn, is,\ without Coffin, 6/f.; Burialls in the Church with Coffin, 2S,\ without Coffin is.\ in the
Chancell, 2s, 6d.; marriages by licence, 2s.; by banns, is.
The Terrior was subscribed by William Watkins, Andrew Acherley, Richard Gough, by the two
Chiurch wardens, Willian Cleaton, and William Coke, and severall other parishioners.
England was first divided into Parishes by Honorius, the 4th Archbishop of Canterbury, after
Augustine. — Regist Ecclae. Cant. Stow, Ridley, part 3, cap. 2 sect. 4. Before this time every person
paid his tithes to any ecclesiasticall person whom hee pleased, butt afterward by the Canon law, they
were to bee payd to the minister of the same Parish,
Registers were begun to bee kept in every Parish in the 30th yeare of King Henry VIII, not by
Act of Parliament, butt by the King's injunction (at the instigation of the Lord Cromwell.) Tyzwhite
res. Kinaston Noyes Reg: Godolphin, page 145.
Bye the injunctions of Edward VI., all parishes were to keep a register booke in the parish
chest — Spence's Coll. 5 pa. Godolphin, 164.
The Parish Register of Myddle was dilligently ordered in the times of Mr. Tho: Wilton and Mr.
Ralph Kinaston —
EccUsinsticus, 44 v. 7.
" These were honorable men in theire generadons^ and of good report in theire times'*
In the beginning of Mr. More's time, whilest Mr. Peter Ledsham was his Curate, (who was a sober
and laboriouse person, and better beloved in the parish than the Rector,) the Register was carefiilly
kept; butt afterwards negligently observed, and in the War time altogether neglected.
In Mr. Richardson's time the Births, not Baptismes, were entered. In Mr. Hoilwa/s time,
towards the later end, nothing was entered for some space of tyme, I thinke yeares.
MYDDLE LORDSHIP.
This Lordship is a greate part of the Parish of Myddle, and therefore I will write something of
it before I mention other places; and first I will write of the owners, and Lords of it.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. aj
THE LORD STRANGK
This Lord Strange that was the owner of Myddle, and alsoe of Knockin, Nes Strange, and Elles-
meare, came into England with King William the Conqueror, (as some Chronicles relate) and to him
the Conqueror gave these Lordships. As to his name, Strange, wee have a tradition thatt the first
of that name was found in an Eagle's nest, and therefore, called Strang. Whether this were soe or
not, I cannot say : but this I know, the Lords Strange gave the Eagle and Child in swadling cloathes
for theire Coate of Armes, which perhaps might give an occasion for that conjecture.
I supose that all the Lands in this Lordship, did at first belong to the Lords Strange, for I have
seene the antient deeds of most freeholders in this Lordship, and amongst every man's deeds, the
first grant was from the Lord Strange, by the name of Johannes le Strang, Dominus de Myddle, and
sometimes Johannes Extraneus, Dominus de Myddle, soe that the name John seems to have beene
long if not all along the Christian name of the Lords Strange. Hee gave some lands to servants, /r^
bono servicio, and some to chaplaines, still reserveing a certaine yearly rent and an Herriot The
Herriot reserved in a servant's grant, was optimum telum; but from Chaplaines the Herriott was
named as an Arrow, a Bowe, or a Speare. There are now in this Manor about thirteen freeholders
but a few yeares past there was not soe many ; for of late yeares, some large tenements have beene
sold by parcells to severall persons which has increased the number of freeholders. As the breaking
of one great potsherd makes many litle ones. I lately saw one grant of the Lord Strange wherein noe
herriott was reserved, but money in lieu.
Mr. Cambden sayes, the Lord Strange came into England in Edward the Third's time, and because
hee was a Stranger, therefore hee was called Lord Strange, but this was the Lord Strange of £lake-
meare, which lyes in the border of this county neare Cheshire. The line of that Lord Strange ended
in an heire female, who married the Lord Audley, to whose successors I believe the manor of Blake-
meare still belongs.
The family of the Lords Strang was owner of this Manor of Myddle about 420 yeares, and dureing
the Reigne of eighteenTcings, butt in the reigne of Henry 7th (issue male failing,) Joane, the daughter
and heire of the last Lord Strange, was married imto Sir Georg Stanley, who by this match encreased
his Estate, by the adition of soe many Lordships, and his dignity, by the tytle and armes of the Lord
Strang.
OF THE FAMILY OF THE STANLEYS AND EARLES OF DERBY.
Mr. Camden sayes, the Stanleys derive theire peddigre from Alane Silvestre, upon whom Ranulph
the first Earle of Chester, conferred the Bayliffwicke of Wirall, by delivering unto him an home. In
the reigne of Henry the 4th, Sir John Stanley married the daughter and heire of Sir Thomas Latham,
who for her dowrie, amongst many other lands, brought the sumptuose Seate called Latham Hall,
which ever since hath beene the Seate of the Stanleys. Hee had issue by her. Sir John Stanley
sometime Lord Deputy of Ireland, and after Lord of the He of Man. This dignity of Lord of Man,
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24 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
was first by Henry 4th confered upon Hen. Lord Perqr, who, for his precipitate and desperate
actions, got the Surname of Hotspurre. About six yeares after that he was made Lord of Man, he
rebelled against King Henry 4th, and joining with his imcle, Tho. Percy, Earle of Worcester, the
Earle of Dunbar, and severall nobles, togeather with Owen Glendowr, a potent and valiant man in
Wales, in behalfe of Edmunde Mortimer, Earle of Marsh (of the line of Yorke) who laid claime to
the crowne, and having raised a great armie, he marched towards Shrewsbury, intending to seise it,
and theare to meet the forces of Owen Glendowr, but when hee came neare Shrewsbury, hee found
that his hopes were frustrate, for the Prince with the King's army, was got into Shrewsbury, and there-
fore hee incampt all night within a myle of the towne, in a place called then Old-feild, but since
Batlefeild; where the next day, (being St Mary Magdelen's day,) was fought a terrible, tediouse,
and (long time) doubtful bataile. Butt at last, when Hotspurre knew that his imcle was taken
prisionere (who was beheaded next day at Shrewsbury), and, that the Earle of Dunbar was taken,
hee fledde imdauntedly upon his enemyes, and after a great slaughter, being wearryed out with
killing, hee was att last killed and his army cutt in peices. In this place King Henry 4th built a faire
Church, and appointed two Priests there to pray for the soules of those that died in the Batle. Hee
alsoe granted a fayre to bee there kept yearely for three dayes togeather. This place lyes in the
manor of Adbrighton Hussey, of which manor and faire I was Steward twenty-two yeares. Soone
after this Battle, the tytle of Lord of Man was conferred upon Sir John Stanley, to whose successors
that dignity still belongs. After this wee have nothing memorable of the Lords Stanley untill the
Reigne of King Richard the 3rd, (sumamed Croukbacke) who, when hee had waded throw much
blood to the Crown, had left none of the Royall Line to exercise his feares and jelousyes, save onely
the Duke of Richmond, who was then beyond sea, and was much favored by many Noblemen of
England. ("" QwiV/ non sentitamor" the poet sayes, and so may wee say of feare.) For King Richard
well knew how much, and by which Noblemen the Duke was favored, and, therefore, hee took those
Noblemen's sons for Hostages, and amongst the rest, Sir George Stanley, eldest son of the Lord
Stanley, was taken as hostage. When the Duke was landed at Plimouth, the King (well knowing,
that the Lord Stanley was very potent in allyes and vassalage in his country,) immediately sent to
the Lord Stanley to raise all the forces hee could, and to come and assiste him against the Duke.
The Lord Stanley sooneraised an Army, and went bye slow marches, (still observing the Duke's
motion), and, at last, when the King was come to Leicester, and the Duke to Bosworth feild, not
far thence the Lord Stanley lay with his forces at a small distance from them both. In the morning
before the Bataile, the King sent to the Lord Stanley to come up and joine with the King's Army;
but hee answeared, the King must not expect any assistance from him untill the Bataile were
joined. This answeare soe exasperated the King, that hee straite comanded that Sir Geo. Stanley
should be beheaded. But one of the Nobles said " my Leige it is now time to fight, and not to spend
time in executions."* By this word Sir George escaped. When the Bataile was joined, the Lord Stanley
tooke part with the Duke, and after a bloody fight wherein many Nobles were slaine,) and severall
of them with the King's own hands, the King at last mett with the Duke, who tho hee were but a
striplin, and the King a valiant and strong man, yet hee defended himself against the King past
admiration, and beeing assisted by his Guard, the King was there slaine. Itt is said, that the Lord
Strange, tooke the Crown from of the King's head in the feild, and put it upon the Duke's head
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 25
Sir Geo. Stanley and the other hostages were soone released. This was that Sir George Stanley,
that afterward marryed the daughter and heire of the Lord Strange.
Soone after the coronation of King Henry the 7 th, the Lord Stanley married the Duchesse of
Richmond, the King's mother, and was by him created Earle of Darby, which dignity formerly
belonged to the House of Lancaster, but ever since to the Stanleys. Sir George Stanley had issue
(by the Lady Strang,) Thomas Stanley, and this Sir George dying before his father, Thomas his scm
was the second Earle of Darby of that famyly. Hee married Anne, the daughter of Edward Lord
Hastings, and had issue by her, Edward tfie third Earle of Darby. Hee marriede Dorothy, th6
daughter of the first Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke, and had issue by her, Henry the fourthe
Earle of Darby. Hee married Margaret, the daughter of Henry Cliflford, Earl of Cumberland, and
had issue by her, Ferdinando and William, both successively Earles of Darby; Fcrdinando died
about his midle age, and left behinde him three daughters. One of them was marryed to Sir John
Egerton, the other two were married to two Lords. Margaret Countesse of Darby, had the Lord-
shipp of Myddle for part of her dower; but yet William her son, did grant leases of many farmes
and tenements in the Lordship of Myddle, in his mother's life time, which perhaps his mother con-
nived at it, because hee was much indebted, upon account of paying the portions of his Brother's
daughters. After the death of his mother, William Earle of Darby sold the Lordship of Myddle to
the Lord Keeper Egerton. After the Stanleys had beene owners of it about no years, and dureing
the Reigne of five Kings and Queens. Soone after the purchase, the Lord Keeper Egerton, required
all those leases, that were granted by William Earle of Darby, to bee surrendered up, beecause made
by one that had noe power soe to doe.
Many were siurendered and new ones granted on easy termes; but Sir Andrew Corbett, who had
a lease of Haremeare, Arthur Chambre, who had a lease of Broomehm^t Farme, Richard Wolfe, who
had a lease of a small tenement in Myddle, now m possession of Mr. Dale; and one Edge, who
had a lease of a small tenement beyonde Marton, called Edges tenement, these refiised to surrender
and were never questioned in law, but held out theire termes, tho some of them proved very long.
OF THE FAMILY OF THE EDGERTONS, AND OF THE EARLES OF BRIDGWATER.
The Edgertons are descended from the Lords of Malpas. Nott longe after the Conquest, WiUian^
Bellward, Lord of the moiety of Malpasse, had a son called Dan David of Malpasse, whose eldest
son, William de Malpasse, was progenitor of the family of the Barons Dudley his second son was called
Phillip Goch, one of whose grandsons took the name of Egerton, firom a towne where hee dwelt
called Egerton or Edgerton, from Ec^iar's towne. This family of the Egertons came soone after
to bee a family of Knight degree.
The Lord Keeper Edgerton, was a younger brother, (I supose of Sir John Egerton, who marryed
a daughter of Ferdinando, Earl of Darby). He was brought up to the law, wherein hee was a
laborious student, a great proficient, and a diligent observer of all causes tryed at Barre. Among
which, there was a great tryall betweene Queene Elizabeth and the Cytty of London; which by
D
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26 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
reason of some over-sight in the Queen's counsell was lost, and the Queen (owning a spirit impatient
of a repidse,) was somewhat concerned, which Mr. Thomas Egerton (for soe hee was at that time,)
haveing notice o[, procured admittance into her presence, where hee informed her of some omissions
in the management of her cause whereuppon shee comitted the matter into his hands, who procured
a new tryall, and managede it soe dextrously, that hee got the cause for the Queen, with much aplause,
Queene Elizabeth findeing thatt this Mr. Egerton was a man of excellent partes^ and well seene in
the lawes of England, made him her Majesty's Solicitor, Ann : 1583, and for his other desertes
Knitted him, Ann : 1593. Next she made him Master of the Rolls, and after the death of the Lord
Chancellor, she made him Lord Keeper of the Great Seale of England, Ann : 1594.
In the Reigne of King James the First Sir Thomas Egerton purchased the Manor of Elesmeare,
whereupon the King adorned him with the honorable tytle of Baron of Elesmeare, and advanced him
to bee Lord Qiancellor,(the highest honnor of the Long Roabe,) and for his singular industry in state
afares^ made him one of his most h<Miorable Privy CounselL After his decease, Kii^ James created
his sot^ Earle of Bridgwater. To this honourable family this Lordship of Myddle nowe belongs;
th0 present owner (1700) is John, Earle of Bridgewater, Viscount Brackky, and one of his Majesty's
Most Honourable Privy Counsell; and now, (in the absence of King William,) one of the Lord's
Justices, who have Royall Authoryty for the Government of the Kingdome.
I have shewed what Honourable persons have beene Lords <^ this Lordship, but yet, the King is
Lord Paramount of it, and his Court Leet is therein yearely kept, togeather with the Great Coiut,
and Court Baron of the Lord of the Manor. And, therefore, I will here humbly take leave, to
breath out my well wishes for his sacred Majesty in a few lines, 5/ mm ui debuij tamm utpotuu
Ad screiussi]]iiix& Dnum nnun Gulidmiim Tettroin,
Magnse Britanise Fnmdse et Hibernia Regem.
Vive alter Solomon, patri« pater, orbita Pads,
AActor opum, vindex scelerum, Laigitor honorum,
Gemma coeyomm regum, flos prseteritomm.
Forma futororum, Dux, Laos, Lex, Lax populorum,
Prisca parem oesdt, nee talem potent Regem,
Exhibitura dies ; Fatribos demendor nllk
Vivito, prseteritis melior, majorque fotorn;
MYDDLE LORDSHIPP.
. This Lordship was formerly a Lordship Marcher, beecause this and others, were the bounds and
borders (which they called Marches) of Wales; and to j^event the out roades, pilfering, and plun^
dering of the Welsh, there were made Barons of the Marches, and Lords Marchers, of whome the
Lord of this Manor was one. There were severall priviledges which belonged to these Lordships, as
that the Lords had the administration of Laws to the inhabitants in their Courts, that the King's
Writs, in some cases, shall not here take place, and that the Lord Marcher had power of life and
death in criminall causes.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 27
We have by tradition that theare was such enmity betweene the Britaines and Saxons, that the
Welshmen accounted all for a lawfull prize which they stole from the English. And wee ha(re a
tradition, that the inhabitants of these neighbouring Townes, had in every towne, a piece of ground
adjoining to theire houses, which was moated about with a large ditch, and fenced with a stronge
ditch fence and pale, wherein they kept their cattell every night, with persons to watch them ; and
that there was a light-horse-man maintained in every towne with a good horse, sworde, and speare,
who was always ready, upon the least notice to ride strait to the Hatt Bridge, there to meet his
companions ; and if they found any Welshman on this side the Piatt Bridge, and the river of Perry,
if they could apprehend him hee was sure to bee put to death : but if the Welshmen had gott over
the Bridge with stolen cattell, (then wee have an antient saying that) they would cry, " P&oove mine
owne," for the Horsemen durst not follow any further; if they were taken beyond the bridge they
were straitwaye hanged.
The place of Execution, or Gallows, in tins Lordship was on Myddle HiU, in that feild formerly
called the Gallowtree-feild, and now the Hill feild. I have often heard that stile on Myddle Hill,
(neare John Williams his cottage,) called the Gallowtree-stile. Richard Wolph, of Myddle, a very
old man, (who dyed in my time,) would promise to shew the very place where the gallows stood,
which, hee said, was upon a banke, in the higha: end of that peice of land wherein John Bennion's
house now stands.
MYDDLE CASTLE.
The Manor of Myddle, was formerley beautifyed with a faire but small Castle, which now lyes
in ruins. Mr. Camden saies, that the Lord Strange built the castle at Knockin, and wee may ration-
ally conclude, that hee alsoe built this castle, haveing here the convenience of free stone, which is
plentifiill in this Manor. The stone wherewith the Castle was built, was gott on that end of Haremeare
heath, which is next to Myddle. The walls of this castle about sixty years agoe were standing, soe
that it might easyly bee perceived what manner of a structure it was, of which I will give you an
accompt, as well as my memory will serve.
This Castle was built four square, within a square moate, and had a square Court within it There
was apiece of ground, of almost an acre of land on the east side of the castle, which peice was moated
about with a lesser moate than the castle. The entrance into this peice was throw a Gate-house
which stood neare the north-east comer of the Castle moate : the passage throw the Gate-house was
about eight foot wide. There were foure Chambers in it beelow, to wit two on eyther side of the
passage. Those two that were next the castle were, (when I first saw it,) made use of for a bake-
house. There was alsoe, in the same peice of ground, another peice of building, which was supposed
to have been a slaughter-house for the use of the Castle. The floore of this peice of building was
of clay, and made high along the myddle of the Building, like a Bridge ; it may bee for the ease of
the slaughterman in falling his beeves, and for laying them to bleed more freely. Almost over
against this Building, T beeleive the Bridge was over the castle moate, for when I was a schoole-boy
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28 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
att MydcUe, Mr. Gittins his servants, in a dry summer, when they were carrying of mudde out of the
Caatle moate, to manure theire meadows tooke up there two large sills that wrought over crosse the
moate ; the siUs were blacke, but not rotten, they were about two feete square, and the mortaces in
them* that were to receive the posts that supported the bridge, were two feete long, and six inches
wide. The passage from the end of the Bridge, went throw into the court which was in the myddle
of flie Castle ; on the south side the passage was a large roome, supposed to have beene a Kitchen,
by reason of a very large chimney in it, which seemed to have beene much used; on the south side
of the Castle was a pleasant roome supposed to have beene a parlor ; on the west side and just over
against the passage, there were two roomes open togeather, onely parted with somewhat of a wall,
that had severall large doore-places throw it ; this was supposed to have been the halL I doe not
remember any chimney in it, butt I know the Court Leet for this Manor was kept in that roome.
I suppose this Castle was onely two storyes high, and flatt on the top or roofe ; there was (and in part
still is) a tower, and stairecase at the north-west comer of the inner Court, and a doore-place out of
it, neare the top, to goe out on the Roofe of the castle. Part of the top of this Tower fell downe
in an Earthquake, about the yeare 1688, at which time, alsoe part of the stone wall of Mr. Lloyd's
garden in Myddle fell downe. There was another stairecase of stone at the south-west comer of the
said Court This Castle stood at, or in, the north-east comer of a pretty large Parke, which had a
lane about it on the outside. On the east side was a lane, called the Moor Lane. On the south side
theare is some lands, called the Lane, which ly beetween Myddle parke, and the lands belonging to
Webscot Farme, which lane is held att a certaine rent by the tenants, or owners of Webscott
On the west side is the Linclies lane, soe called from a certaine Hall, called the Linches' Hall, which
stood upon a banke in Fennimeare ground, neare the side of this lane. On the north, is the road-
way that goes through Myddle. In this parke, not far soutfiward from the castle, stoode a dwelling
house, perhapps a lodge or habytation for a keeper, but I never knew it inhabyted, but onely used
for tying of cattle and bestoweing of fodder ; it is now (1700) utterly gon to mine. It was called
the Harhouse, and the banke neare where it stood is still called the Harhouse Banke.
INHABITANTS OF MYDDLE CASTLE.
Wee have a tradition that the Lord Strange, whilst hee was Lord of Myddle, did live part of the yeare
at Myddle Castle, and part cf the year at Knockin Castle. But after these Lordships descended to
the Darbys, then there was a Constable, or Castle keeper of this Castle. The first that I read of in
antient deeds was Will. Dod, constable of the castle of Myddle, after him Sir Roger Kinaston,
of HbrdUy, was, by comission, made Castle Keeper of Myddle Castle and Knockin. After his
decease, his younger son, Humphry Kinaston (who for his dissolute and ryotous liveing was called
the wild Humphry), was tenant of this castle. Hee had two wives, but both of soe meane bhth,
that they could not lay claime to any Coat of Armes, as appeares by the card of Kinaston's Armes,
which^r. Edward Kina<;ton of Oateley, shewed mee not long before his death. I have not heard of
any children which wild Humphry had but I have heard of much debt that hee had contracted ; and
beeing outlawed in dtbt, he left Myddle Castle (which hee had suffered to grow minous, for want
ot repaire), and went and sheltered himself in a Cave neare to Nescliffe ; which, to this day, is called
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 29
Kinaston's Cave, and of him the people tell almost as many romantick storyes, as of the great outlawe
Robin Whood Yet one thmg I must remember that on a time when hee was gott over Monford's
Bridge, and was on that side Seveme which is next Shrewsbury, and must needs retume over that
bridge, the under shiriffe came with a considerable company of men to the bridge, (which then was
made with stone pillars and wooden planks,) and haveing taken up severall plankes, and made such
a breadth as they thought noe horse was able to leape over, they laid themselves in ambush ; and
when wild Humphry returned, and was about to enter upon the bridge, they rose up to apprehend
him, which he perceiving, put spurrs to his horse, and rideing full speed, leaped clearely over the
breadth. The measiure of this leape was afterwards marked out upon Knockin Heath, upon a greene
plott by the way-side that leads from Knockin towards Nescliffe, with an H and a K cut in the ground
att the ends of the leape. The letters were about an elne long, and were a spade graff broad and a
spade graflf deep. These letters were usually repaired yearely by Mr. Kinaston, of Ruyton. I confesse
I have seen the letters, but did not take tl^e measure of the distance. After wild Humphry's time,
this castle was never inhabited, but went utterly to mine.
MYDDLE PARKE.
This Castle stood at, or in, the north-east comer of a pretty large parke. It is reported that
there was a lane roimd about this parke, on the outside of it Some appearance of a lane is on
the east side, called the Moore Lane. On the south side there is a place called the Lane, which
lyes betweene the Coppy, (which was part of the parke,) and Webscott grounds, and is held att
a certain rent by the tenants or owners of Webscott On the west side is the Linch Lane, soe
called of a certaine hall, called Linches Hall, «^hich stood on a small banke in Fenymeare
groimd, neare the side of this lane. And on the north is the roade that goes throw Myddle
towne. In this parke, and not far southward from the Castle stood a litle house, which, perhaps,
was a lodge, or habitation for a keeper. (I have read in an old deed of a keeper, or forester, which
the Lord Strange had to looke after his wood, of which this park was cheife.) This house, in my
memory, was made use of only for houseing of catell and bestoweing of fodder, and was called the
Harhouse,andnow it is whoaly pulled downe, and yet the banke is still called the Harhouse banke. The
tmiber of part of this parke was long since falne j but the timber of those partts which are called the
higher parke and the coppy were fallne about fifty yeares agoe, and sold to Mr. Thomas Atcherley,
of Marton, and Thomas Wright, of the same.
This Lordship was formerly beautified with many famous woods beside Myddle Park; for
Myddle Wood, between Myddle and Marton, was such a stately wood, that, by report, a man
might have gon along the road from Myddle allmost to Marton, in a bright sun-shine day, and
could not have seene the sun for the branches and leaves of trees, above three times in thatt
space of ground. This wood was falne in the time of the Darbyes.
Divlin Wood : this was falne in the time of the Lord Strange, and is now whoaly incloased, and
containes four tenements, viz.. Guests,' Hordle/s, Taylor's, and Chidley's tenements, besides several
•peices of ground which were joined to small tenements in Myddle. Butt see of this hereafter.
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30 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Brandwoody in antient deeds, Bamwood: this was fisdne long smce, and now incloased into three
tenements (viz.) Bickley's, Fewtrell's, and Noneley's. The later is now devided into two tenements,
Holloway HiUs was a wood, and was sold to one Medlycoate, in the Darby's time. This
Medlycoate left one oake growing on the highest ground of these hills, which was after called
Medlycoate's oake. I remember it standing there many yeares, butt at last some of the poore
neighbours cut it downe, and converted it to feweU.
MEARES AND POOLES.
The inhabitants of Myddle Castle were plentyfully furnished with fresh fish out off the waters
within the Lordship. And first Haremeare yielded great plenty of silver coulerd eles, beeside an abun-
dance of other fish. When Myddle Castle was gon to mine, soe that it was imhabitable, the
Meare was leased by Will. Earle of Darby, unto Sir Andrew Corbett, of Morton Corbett, and to Mr.
Kelton, of Withyford.
Haremeare Mosse was incompassed round with the water of this Meare; howbeit, the neighbours did
gett some turves upon it, which they carryed over the water in boats; butt Sir Andrew Corbett
caused a large causey, or banke, to bee raised throw the water, soe tha^teames and carts might easily
passe firom Haremeare Heath to the Mosse, and the turves, (which beefore were had fireely,)
were sold att 8d. a yard, that is, So square yards, to cutt and lay upon, which yeilded a loade for the
best teame thatt was.
Afterward, Sir Andrew Corbett and Mr. Kelton caused this Meare to bee loosed and made dry,
and converted it to meadow and pasture. After theire lease was expired, my father, and Richard
Jukes, of Newton, tooke a lease for 21 years of Haremeare, the Mosse, and Haremeare Warren.
They tooke a lease of the Warren att the request of the neighbours, as I will shew hereafter. After
this lease, I tooke a lease of Haremeare and the Mosse for twenty-one years, which expyred about
three yeares agoe, and now Mr. William Watkins, of Shotton, has a lease of it Haremeare and the
Mosse are in the towneship of Myddle butt yett they pay Leawans in Newton. That it is in Myddle
will appeare by a tragicall story that I shall relate, concerning the death of a servant of Sir Edward
Kinaston's of Oateley, which thus happened. There was one Clarke, of Preston Gubballs, who had
formerly beene tenent to Sir Edward Kinaston, of a tenement in Welsh Hampton, and was indebted
for areareages of rent, due to Sir Edward ; whereupon hee sued out a write against this Clarke, and sent
a bayliffe to arest him; and because Clarke had some lusty young men to his sons, therefore Sir
Edward sent one of his servants to assist the bayliffe, if need were. Clarke was cutting peates on
Haremeare Mosse; Sir Edward's man stayd in the wood in Pimhill; the bailiffe went towards
Clarke, and beeing beaten backe by Clark's sons, Sir Edward's man came with his sword drawne, and
swoare he would make hay with them. But one of Clarke's sons, with a turfe spade, which they
call a peate iron, (a very keene thing,) struck Sir Edward's man on the head, and cloave out his
brains. The bayliffe fled; Clarke was rescued; and his son fled, and escaped. The coroner was
sent for and by apointment of Sir Humphry Lea, the inhabitants of Myddle paid the coroner's fees.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 31
Clarke's sonne escaped the hand of justice, but not the judgment of God, for hee that spilled man's
blood, by man shall his blood bee spilt, for when all things were quiet, and this thing seemed forgot-
ten, Oarke's son came into this country agen, and lived att Welsh Hampton, where a quarell
happening betweene him and one Hopkin, his next neighbour, about theire garden ha3rment, as they
stood quarelling, each man in his owne garden, Hopkin cast a stone att Clarke, which strooke
him soe directly on the head, that it killed him. How Hopkin escaped the law, I have not heard;
butt vengeance suffered him not long to live, for a quarell happenned beetween him and one Ljrth, a
neighboure of his, as they were in an alehouse in Ellesmeare, in the night time, which quarrell ended
in words, and Hopkin went towardes home; and not long after Lyth went thence. The next morn-
ing Hopkin was found dead in Oatley Parke, haveing beene knocked on the head with the foote of a
washing stocke which stood at Ellesmeare meare, which foot was found not far from him. Lyth was
apprehended, and comitted to prison on suspicion of the murder, and lay there severall yeares, for it
was in the heate of the warres, and noe Assizes or Goale delivery was then held (Inter anna silent
leges). But when the Parliament forces had taken Shrewsbury, they sett att liberty all prisoners, as well
criminal as debtors, and this Lyth among the rest I have written this story for the strangnesse
of it, though it bee beside the matter, yet hereby we see, that
Sua quemqa« yerioordia Iftdit.
There was a place, called Myddle pooles, but whether these were well stored with fish I cannot
say, but I believe they might be much frequented by fowle in winter, they are now converted
to meadows and are part of Broomehurst Farme.
Marton Meare, this lyes the one half in Myddle Lordshipp, the other in Fennymere. It is well
stored of delicate large pickerell, beesides a multytude of roach, dace, and other small fishes. Andrew
Atcherley claims liberty of fishing in this Meare by purchase from Lloyd Pierce, Esq.; Richard
Groome claimes liberty of fishing by purchase from Mr. Corbett of Stanwardine. I have not heard
that the fishing of this Meare was ever leased or sett to any one.
HAREMEARE WARREN.
This has been a warren of noe long continuance, for although there might bee some conneys among
these rocks, in the times of the Lords Strange and the Earles of Darby, yet there was noe warren untill
the Lord Keeper Egerton had purchased this manor, and then hee procured a charter for a free warren
on Haremeare Heath, Holloway Hills, Myddle Hill, and the rocky groimds, (where the plow cannot
goe) in those pieces called the Hill Leasows, which lye betweene Holloway Hills, and Myddle Hill.
After the obtaining of this charter, the warren was leased to one Twiford, a man that had been well
educated, but whence he came I knowe not, tmlesse he were that Twiford who sold lands in
Marton to Richard Acherley. This Twiford built the lodge or warren house, on Haremeare Heath,
and more buildings adjoining to it, which are now gon to mine. He lived in good repute, he
taught neighbours' children to read, and his wife taught young women to sew, and make needle
workes; he had a daughter named Sarah, sheemarryed one Francis Jones, alias Reece, and lived in a
small tenement of Crosses neare Yorton Heath. After the death of Twiford, Mr. Thomas Hoskins
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3« ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
of Webscott, tooke a lease of the warren for his life. Hee was a habituated drunkard, and kept
one Re)mold Sherry for his warrener, as bad a drunkard as hisselfe ; and after him one Francis
Trevor, the worst drunkard, but craftiest of the three. Hee sold ale in the lodge, and would
often bragge that Prince Rupert was once his guest and comended his ale; for it happened that as the
Prince came that way with his Army, he cald and asked Francis whether hee kept Ale, and Francis
answeared "yes." The Prince called for a flagon, drunke part of it, and said it was good ale,
and thereupon alighted and came into the lodge and wrote a letter there and sent it away. tHee gave
Francis sixpence for his ale, and gave a charge to the soldiers thatt none should drinke his ale with
out paying butt they observed it nott. After Mr. Hoskins his lease, my father and Richard
Jukes ofNewton, tooke a lease for twenty-one yeares of the warren togeather with Haremeare, but the
neighbovirs could not agree (as they had promised) to pay the rent of it, and, therefore, when my
fiather and Richard Jukes had lost one halfe yeare's rent, they sett it at six pounds per ann. to Mr.
Hall of Balderton, on condition hee should keep a small stocke upon it, and not prejudice his
neighbours, but he kept his promise in this noe better than in other matters. When this lease was
expyred, the neighbours did agree, and for some tyme payd the rent, but some of Mr. Gittins his family
falling off, and Richard Eaton of Myddle, the warren was sett for twenty-one years to Edward, the
son of Thomas Hall, att eight pounds per anniun, but the rent was soe great that hee could not gett
by it; and therefore hee gave up his lease att the end of twenty years, and now the neighbours pay
eight pounds per annum for it
COMMONS.
Haremeare Heath ; this common belongs whoaly to the inhabitants ofNewton on the HiH, but the
owners of Lea Hall and Shotton, doe claime common by reason of vicinage, but all that they ought
to claime is onely liberty to tmme out theire catle att theire owne gates, upon a litle of theire owne land
which they have left out beefore theire gates, and soe they streake out further; but they cannott staffe,
drive, nor incloase, nor hinder incloaseing.
The gate in the Lea Lane did formerley stand att a great Oake tree which is aUmost att the Lea,
and Sir Humphrey Lea did tume his sheep out att that gate into the lane, and soe they came of theire
owne accord downe to the common, and I have heard, thatt Kinaston of Shotton, did tume his sheep
into this lane out of his owne land, and soe they came that way into the Common; but by persuasion
(as I heard) of old Mr. William Watkins, the gate was ranoved almost to the end of the lane. Upon
this common there is great store a[ free stone, very usefuU for building. The inhabitants within the
Mannor pay to Ae Lord one shilling for every hundred (that is six score) foot of stone, but Forainen
paye one shilling and sixpence. Upon this^common there is found a sort of blue stone, which they say
is coper mine. In the simimer beefore King Charles the First came to Shrewsbury, to raise his Army in
the begining of the wars, (which was, I conceive, about the yeare 1643,) certaine myners gott a great
quantity of this stone, which was brought in carts to the warren house, and there layd up to the
house wall, and proclamation made in Myddle Church, that it was treason for any one to take
away without orders. Butt when the King came to Shrewsbury the myners went all for Soldiers*
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 33
The worke ceased, and the stones were carryed to amend highwayes. And now, of late yeares, Mr.
Walker, (a comission officer under the Earle of Bridgewater) imployed myners that came out of
Darbyshire to seek for such stones. But after they had simke in severall places, (and in one as they
said, sixty yards deep,) and when much money was spent the worke came to nothing, haveing gott
about two or three ton of blue stone, which now lyes on the banke, and may serve for the saioe
use as the other did. "Quserit thesaurum invento nulloque doletur."
MYDDLE WOOD COMMON.
This belongs to Myddle and Marton, butt some persons in Fenn)rmeare doe claime common here by
reason of vicinage ; butt certaine it is that the whoale common lyes in the manor and parish of Myddle.
It was formerly a famous wood of timber; there is a great part of itt incloased, some into tenements,
as Challoner's, Cooper's, Watson's, Davies*, Challoner's, a cooper, Joneses, and Parker's tenements,
Severall persons have cottages on this common, and one or two peices incloased to every cottage, as
Endley, Jones, Higinson, Rogers the glover, Blanthome, Rogers the taylor, Reves, Hanmer and
Groome. Severall peices of this common have beene incloased and added to tenements in Myddle.and
Marton. This common was cutt, and burnt, and soVeciwith come in the later end of the warr time,
temp. Car. i. The first crop was winter come, which was a very strong crop; the next was a crop of
barley, which was soe poore, that most of it was pulled up by the roote, because it was too short to bee
cutt That time Aere was a great dearth and plague in Oswaldstree. Mr. Richardson was then rector,
and had the tythe in this common, butt not without some opposition. There has beene severall
attempts to finde coale in this common; once in our father's time, and three severall times in my
memory, butt all proved inefifectuall.
Whitrish Lane is a small common in this Lordship, and was soe found by the Grand Jury att
Myddle Court some yeares agoe. One Willm. Sturdy, who then lived in Whitrish House, held the
lower end of this lane inclosed for some yeares, and was presented for the incrpachment att Myddle
Court, and payd his amercments to the Bailiffe of the Manor of Myddle. Butt the end of this lane,
which is next to Balderton, is called Balderton Greene, and the Inhab3rtants of Balderton doe claime
this common to bee theire common ; butt the truth is, that they may tume theire cattel into theire
owne street, and there is nothing to hinder them, butt that they may streake downe to this common,
and this is all the right ithat that Balderton has to this common.
Billmarsh Green, this is a small common, much controverted, whether it lyes in the Lordship of
Myddle, or in the parish of Broughton, and libertyes of Salop. All that I can say is, that when the
Inhabitants of Myddle parish doe walk their boundaryes, they take theire small common whoally within
their bounds ; and when the parishioners of Broughton doe walk theire boundaryes, they take it, and
a litle croft that lyes beetween it and the bame at Billmarsh within theire bounds. But the tythes of
the croft are payd in Myddle Parish. But all Billmarsh was formerly a common, and it should seem
that this Greene was left out of it when it was incloased, for all other places make Heyment from
Bilmarsh, except this Greene.
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34 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
CUSTOMES IN THIS LORDSHIP OF MYDDLE.
But first lett us consider what custome is. Custome is a law or right, not written, which being estab-
lished by long use and the consent of our ancestors, hath been and is dayly practised. There is much
diversity between custome, prescription usage, and limitation, although they bee much of affinity, and
often taken one for another.
ist. Custome can have noe beginning since man's memory, butt prescription may.
2nd. Custome toucheth many men in common, butt prescription this or that person.
3rd. Usage is the life of both, for both loose theire beeing if usage faile. — Coke on Coppyholds,
sect 33.
4th. Limitation is where a right may bee attained by reason of a nonclaime for a certaine niunber
of yeares, differing in account of tyme from custome and prescription.
There was formerly a good custome in this Lordship, that every housekeeper should have free
panage in the Lord's woods, paying 4// a piece for theire swine, for the markeing of them, and tending
the woods. This was a great benefit to have theire swine fed, fit for the knife, at 4//. a piece. But
now this priviledg is lost since the woods were failed.
" Cessanie causa cessdbit effectusr
Panage or pannage is that money that the Agistors of forest do gather for the feeding of hogs within
the forest ; it is also taken for all mast of trees in the forest on which the hogs doe feed.— Manw.
Fort Laws. cap. 12, fo. 90.
Pannage in Lawier's latine, pannagium pasnagium, and pennagium seems to come of the French
word panez or panets, which is a roote much what like to a parsnip, but lesse and ranker in taste,
which hoggsdoe feed upon, and men may eate. — Crom. Jurisdic fol. 155.
Perhaps this is the same that wee call pig-nutts.
Heriot or Heriet, (in old Saxon, Herigeat, from ^^here*' a Lord, (of hems) and geat or neat a
beast, quasi dictum " The Lord's beast ") — is a duty or service due to the Lord after or upon the
death of his tenant Coke on Litt 185. Heriot custome and Heriot covenant are the only two
sorts of Heriots that are paid. The Heriot custome in this manor is the best weapon, and soe
it is in all other Lordship's marches. Heriot covenant is such a weapon as an arrow, or a sum of
money or such a beast or good, as is mentioned in the covenant. And this the I^rd is obliged to take,
although it happen to bee worse than the best weapon, for, " modus et conventus vincunt legem."
Some persons have an idle conceit that there is three sorts of heriots in this manor, that is tiie best
weapon from a freeholder, the heriot mentioned in covenant, and the best beast or good from those
that are neither freeholders nor lease tenants. But the truth is, that the best weapon is due from the
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 35
later as well as from a freeholder, although ii bee but a pickavill, a trousebill, or a dubbe staff, for
these are weapons offensive and defensive, and such have been taken for heriots ; but if a man hold
nothing of the Lord, but lives on a freeholder's land as tenant, there is noe heriot du^ at his decease
for a heriot is a service due, racionetenura. There are some lands in this Manor, that are freed from
payment of heriots, of which the land which I purchased of Richard Jukes, in Newton on the Hill, is
an instance. I will recite the grant of it verbatim, but will not promise that it is altogether free from
false Latine.
" Sciant prgesentes et futuri quod ego Johannes Extraneus quintus Dominus de Elnokin in plena
pacificate et sanitate mea dedi et concessi et hac preseuti carta mea confirmavi Ricardo de Haloh
filius Johannis de Borelton tres nocas terrae cum suis pertin, in villa de Newton, scilicet unam
dimidiam virgatam terrae quam Robertus Medicus prius de me tenuit cum messuagio et Crofto et
purparte prati in Borede meadow cum omnibus aliis pertin : et adjacent : dictce dimidise virgatee
terrae pertinentibus et unam nocam terrae cum purparte pratin Borede meadow sibi adjacent, quam
Ricardus de Peitton prius tenuit cum medietate messuagii et crofti dictae terrae adjacent quae quidem
medietas propinquior jacet illi terrae quam Robertus Medicus prius tenuit et unam placeam prati
quam Ricardus Lewellin prius tenuit quae jacet juxta le Bamdewode et unam aliam placeam prati
que jacet inter ante dictam placeam et le Bam de Wodesford, juxta le Bamdewode cum suis pertin.
in excambium pro aliis tribus Nokis terrae quas idem Ricardus prius tenuit in Bilemarsh. Concessi
etiam eidem Ricardo et haered. et assignate suis largum iter eundi ad prata sua antedicta et redeundi
quandocunque voluerint Habendus et tenendus de me et hered : meis et assignatis predicto Ricardo
et haered. suis cuicunque aut quibuscimque totam antedictam terram dare vendere legare impignorare
assignare seu quocunque modo alienare voluerint in sanitate seu infirmitate libere et quietae bene et
in pace jure hereditario in perpetuum cum omnibus pertin. et Easiament in bosco in piano in pratis
in pasturis in Communiis in servitiis in aquis in moris et in omnibus locis tantae terrae pertinentibus
Concessi etiam eidem Ricardo, et suis hered. et assign, suis quod habeant liberam Communiam ad
onmimoda Animalia sua in omnibus boscis et moris meis et in omnibus locis infra Manerium de
Myddle adeo libere et plenarie sicuti ut caeteri liberi Hoies. de eodem maner. liberius et plenius
habent, exceptis pratis et dominiis meis propriis in Bilemarsh. Concessi etiam eidem Rico, et suis
Hered. et assign. Bustam ad ardendum et clausuram ad sepes suas includend. . sufficienter in obius
boscis et moris meis infra maner. de Muddle quantum pertinet ad tantam. Terram quandocunque
et quotiescunque necesse fuerit per visum forestarii mei ejusd. maner. sine impedimento mei, vee
Hered. meorum. Reddendo inde annuatim mihi et Hered. meis et meis inde assignat novem
Denarios argenti ad duos anni terminos videlicet ad festum St. Michlis quatuor denar. et obi. et ad
Annunciationem Bae. Mariae in Martio quatuor den : et obi. pro oibus servitus et secularibus demandis
et pro oibus aliis relequiis herietis et pro omnimodis auxiliis et pro sectis curiae meae salva mihi et
hered. meis una apparentia annuatim ad curiam meam de Muddle, Scilicet ad curiam primam post
festum St. Michlis cum idem Ricardus et sui Hered. et assignat. sui rationaviliter fuerint citati et
pro oibus. rebus, salvo Regali servicio quantum pertinet ad tantam Terram. Ego vero predict.
Johes et Hered. mei et assignat. mei tot. predict terram, cum pratis predict cum comunia pasturae
et busta et Claustura et eorum omnibus pertin. et ad jacentiis praenominat Ricardo. et suis Hered.
et assignat quibuscunque predict. Redditu contra omnes hoies et foeminas warrantizabimus et in per-
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36 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
petuum defendemus. Et quia volo quod hsec mea donatio et concessio et presentis cartse me«
cottfirmatio perpetuae firmitatis Robur obtineat praesentem Cartam sigilli mei impressione Roboravi
Hiis Testibus Domino Johe de Le, Domino Reginaldo de Acton, Jobs de Selvaks, Willielm Banas-
tre, Rico de Leten, Willm. ode Wolescot, Thorn, de Muridon et multis aliis."
OBSERVATIONS ON THIS DEED.
1. (The original deed of my antient lands in Newton is without date and has the same immunities
as this, and some more. I found it Anno 1709.*) This deed is without date ; and wee read in Coke
on Litt p. 6 and 7, that deeds began to be dated in the Reigne of King Edward the Second; and
since the beginning of his Reigne untill this year 1700, is 395 yeares, during which time, there has
reigned 3 1 Kings and Queens in England, and therefore this deed is very ancient
2. I beelieve that this deed is the originall deed of the land which I purchased of Richard Jukes,
in Newton ; not because I found it among his old deeds, but I finde that by this deed, the Lord
Strange granted a messuage and 3 nokes of land in Newton; and I finde that Banaster, of Church Eyton,
in StaflFordshire, who was owner of the lands in Newton (which I bought of Juckes,) and sold them to
one widow Hussey, by the name of a messuage and 3 nokes of land; this Widow Hussey and John,
her son, sold this messuage and 3 nokes of land to Thomas Colfex, of Muridon ; and Colfex in the
3rd Ed: 6 gave this messuage and lands to Arthur Jukes, in exchange of lands in Haston. Richard
Jukes, great grand son of Arthur, sold it to me.
3. By this deed, the lands are granted free from all relief, heriotts, and all manner of ayds and
secular services and demands, &c.; and I doubt not but if the freeholders in this manor -would
carefully looke over their old deeds, they may finde their originall grant made with as many immu-
nityes as this.
4. This grant was made to Richard, of Haloh ; but where this place, called Haloh, is or was, I
cannot finde unlesse it were neare to Loppington, where there is a place, called Halowell mere ; and
I have read in an old coppy of court roll a surrender of a piece of land near Loppington, called
HaUowell yard ; and the neighbours say there was a house in that place formerly. Quore, whether
HoHings came not from Haloh.
HIGHWAYES IN THAT PART OF THIS PARISH WHICH LYES WITHOUT THE
LIBERTYES OF SHREWSBURY.
The Roade which leads from Drayton toward Oswaldstrey, (so much of it as lyes in this part ot the
Parish,) begins at the oak which parts the Towneships of Alderton and Newton on the Hill, andlead^
neare Balderton to Myddle Hill, and thence through Myddle, over Myddlc Wood, through Martwi,
and ends at the old mill Brook.
* This is a note which has evidently been inserted afterwards.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 37
That part of the lane that leads from Marton to Biirleton, is accompted part of the road betweenc
Oswaldstrey and Wem.
That part of the Roade from EUesmeare to Shrewsbury which is in this parish, begins at Hordle/s
Gate, and passing throw Divlin Lane alias Taylor's Lane, and the Wood-feild Lane to the top of
Myddle Hill, and there divides into two wayes, called the Higher way and Lower way. The Lower goes
imder Holloway Hill, to Bristle Bridge, and throw Webscot Lane to the gate that parts Meriton
ground and Webscott. The Higher way goes from Myddle Hill to Haremeare Heath, and over
Haremeare Heath to the end of the Lea Lane. The Church way from Newton on the Hill to Myddle,
comes into this Higher way about the middle of the space beetween Myddle Hill and Haremeare
Heath ; and that place (being a sort of a crosse way,) was, by antient people, called the Setts, because
in the time of popery, the people, when they went that way with a Corps to bee buried, they did
there sett down the Corps, and kneeling round about it did mumble over some prayers, eyther for
the sole of the deceased, or for themselves. This usuage is now forelett in this country ; but is still
observed (as I have seen,) in some parts of Wales.
That part of the Roade that leads from Wem to Shrewsbury, throw this part of the parish beegins
at the brooke in the Old feild lane and goes along the Old field lane and over part of Haremeare
Heath, called Shoton Banke, and in old time Broadway Banke, and ends at the Lea Lane end. This
banke has of late yeares beene called by some the Intake, because Mr. Will. Watkins, Grandfather of
Mr. Will. Watkins, now of Shotton, did indoase it ; but hee was sued by my Grandfather for soe
doing and wars forced to cast it open, and pay costs. There are severall Lanes in this part of the
parish which are not publicke roades, and are not repaired at the publicke charge ; as the lane that
leads from Marton towards Weston Lullinfeild ; the Linch lane ; the lane that leads from Houlston
to Balderton ; the Sling lane ; Bald meadow lane ; Whitrish lane ; Sleap Hall lane ; Bilmarsh lane,
the lane that leads from a place called the Double Gates, through Newton, unto Haremeare Heath
the greene lane by Newton ; and the lane that leads from Divlin Lane, alias Taylor's lane, unto
Brandwood, and soe to Sleape.
THE SIGNIFICATION OF THE WORD DIVLIN.
And now because I have often used the name of Divlin Wood and Divilin Lane, and because the
name seems strange, and is not now used, but onely found in antient writings, I will give the signifi-
cation of the word, and ist, I finde that dive, dep, depen, and dup, are the same with ^at wee
tame deep; and the Cheife Citty in Ireland was formerly (and is to this day by some) called Divelin.
But some of the Normans called it Duplin, which is the cause that att this day it is called Dublin.
2ndly, I finde that lin, lene, and laune, doe signify a plaine place amongst wood (vide. Co. on litt. p. 6.)
and therefore it is plaine that this word signifyes a deep plaine amongst woods. And if you take
notice of the situation of the place, you will finde it more imlevell with banks and deep slades, than
any other low grownds in the Lordship. This may confute that idle conceit that the superstitious
monkes and fryars did formerly persuade ignorant people that there were fairyes, (or furyes,) and
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38 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
hob-goblins. And this wood beeing a thick, darke, and dismall place, was haunted by some airyall
spiritts, and, therefore called Divlin Wood. Butt truth and knowledge have, in these dayes, dispersed
such clouds of ignorance and error.
Of Billmarsh, (formerly a common, now a farm,) I have spoaken before ; but because some persons
doe conceive that it was formerly called Bullmarsh, I will here say somewhat concerning the name. I
finde in an old deed, without date, made by John, Lord Strange, the first Lord of Knockin, that
this place was then called Byllemars ; this deed was made before the dateing of deeds was used
which is before this yeare 1700 about 395 yeares. But I conceive the reason of the name is this; —
There is a well, or spring, neare the Roade that goes from Wem to Shrewsbury, at a place called
Hell Hole, or Heild Hole. This Spring is so fluent, that the water seems to boile up, and, there-
fore, is called Bill-well. The water that issues from it goes over crosse the road into certaine meadows,
now called Billa Meadows ; and after the water beeing increased, runs by the side of Tylley Parke,
which, perhaps, was formerly called Billa Parke. This water divides the parke from Lands adjoining
to Billmarsh, which lands, in all likelihood, were encloased out of Billmarsh, beefore the whoale was
encloased and made a farm.
" Et quoniam in tempore scribendi aliu ex alio in mentem venit" I will here give the significa-
tion of the names of places mentioned in that accompt which wee have of the limitts or bounds of
Greensell, I have inserted before, page 8th.*
The towne is there named Grisull, alias Grilleshill, and after it is named Greisull. Mr. Camden
says, that Grisshill signifies a Grey Lady, and that the first Earl of Anjou was sumamed Grisogonel,
grey cloake, and hee says that Hull is the same as Hill, and, therefore, I conclude that Grisull or Greysull
signifyes a Grey hill, or Grey's Hill, if a person called Grey were owner of it Grielleshill is corrupted
fi-om Grisul, and is to bee pronounced Grillshill, for the letter E m the middle of the word is that
which some call a silent E for it neither adds to nor alters the pronunciation; and soe wee have itt
in Hardewicke, Hordeley, Walleford, Billemarsh ; which are pronounced Hardwick, Hordley, Wall-
ford, and Billmarsh.
The Limitt begins at Milne poole, and goes up the watercourse to Greisullway (here it is written
Greisull) : fi-om thence to Small heath Gate ; from thence, usque ad le Ker (now Camden says, that Ker
signifyes a Craggy Rocke) ; firom thence to Greisti (this the men of Greensell would persuade us signifyes
Ger/s sty ; and they shew us a place where they say one Gery of Clive, had a piggsty ; but this is
idle, for if Greisti signifyes Ger/s sty, then Greisull signifyes Gery's hill. But it is plaine, that sty
and stey, (Camden) signifyes a banke, and Griesti signifyes Grey's banke, or a grey banke. But where
it was, neither I nor they know now.
The next which is Hawis Cros. Haw signifyes a hill (Cok. on Litt p. 6) soe that this is the Hill-
Crosse, or Hill-wayes crosse.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 39
Pinchbrooke is now cald Peynesbrooke, and perhaps might take his name from those small and litle
fishes called Pinks, which are common in great multitudes in such brookes. As for the other three
places, (Le.) Heath-end, Brickill, and Oakley-gate, if any man will tell mee where they bee, I will
quickley tell him what the names signifyes. (See more before, pag. 8).*
Multa renascentur quae jam cecidere, cadentque
QufiB nunc sunt in honore vocabula, si volet usus. — Horat
* ' Many words are revived which once lay stil :
These now in use shall faile, if custome will."
SOME ACCIDENTS WHICH HAPPENED IN THE PARISH OF MYDDLE IN THE
TIME OF THE WARRS. Tempore CAROLI PRIMI.
King Charles the ist sett up his standard at Nottingham, A.D. 1642, and beecause few there
resorted to him, hee removed thence to Shrewsbury about the later end of Summer 1642, in hopes that
this covmtry and Wales would soone furnish him with an Army, and hee was not disappointed in his
expectation, for multitudes came to him dayly. Andout of these three townes, Myddle, Marton, and
Newton, there went noe lesse than twenty men, of which number thirteen were kill'd in the warrs. (vizt.)
First, Thomas Formeston, of Marton, a very hopefuU young man, but at what place hee was killd
I cannot say.
Secondly, Nathaniell, the son of John Owen of Myddle, the father was hanged before the warrs, and
the son deserved it in the warrs, for hee was a Cataline to his owne country. His common practice
was to come by night with a party of horse to some neighbour's house and breake open the doores,
take what they pleased, and if the man of the house was found, they carryed him to prison, from
whence he could not bee released without a Ransome in money ; soe that noe man here about was safe
from him in his bed ; and many did forsoke their owne houses. This Nat Owen was mortally wounded
by some of his owne party, in an alehouse quarrell, neare Bridgenorth, and was carryed in a cart to
Bridgenorth to bee healed, but in the meane time the parliament party laid seidge to Bridgenorth, and
the Garrison soldiers within the towne sett the towne on fire, and fledd into the Castle, in which fire,
this Owen (being vmable to helpe himselfe,) was burnt to death.
Thirdly, Richard Chaloner of Myddle, bastard son of Richard Chaloner, brother of Allen Chaloner,
blacksmith. This bastard was partly maintained by the parish, and beeing a bigge lad, went to
Shrewsbury, and was there listed, and went to Edgehill fight, (which was Oct 23rd, 1642,) and was
never heard of afterwards in this country.
Fourthly, Reece Vaughan, he was Brother to William Vaughan a weaver in Myddle, and Brother to
Margarett the wife of Francis Cleaton. Hee was killed at Hopton castle in tliis county, where the
Garrison soldiers refiiseing faire quarter, when they might have had it, were afterward cutt in piec«
when the Castle was taken by storme.
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40 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Fifthly, John Arthurs, a servant of my fisither's who was kill'd at the same Castle.
Sixthly, Thomas Hayward, brother to Joseph Hayward the innkeeper then in Myddle was killed in
the warrs, but I cannot say where.
Seventhly, Thomas Taylor, son of Henry Taylor of Myddle, was killed, I think at Oswaldstrec.
Eighthly and ninthly, William Preece of the cave, (who was commonly called Scogan of the Goblin
hole) went for a soldier in the king's service and three of his sons (i.e.) Francis, Edward, and William,
two of them viz. Francis and William were killed at High Ercall. The old man died in his bed, and
Edward was hanged for stealeing horses.
Tenthly and eleventhly, Richard Jukes and Thomas Jukes, sons of Roger Jukes, sometime
innkeeper in Myddle.
Twelfthly, John Benion, a taylor^ who lived in Newton in the hoiise where Andrew Paine lives,
Thirtecnthly, an idle fellow, who was a taylor and went from place to place to worke in this parish,
but had noe habitation. These four last named went for soldiers, when the King was att Shrewsbury,
and were heard of noe more, soe that it was supposed that they all dyed in the warrs. And if soe
many dyed out of these 3 townes, wee may reasonably guesse that many thousands dyed in England
in that warre.
There were but few that went out of this parish to serve the Parliament, and of them, there was none
killed (as I know of) nor woimded except John Mould, son of Thomas Mould of Myddle wood. Hec
was a pretty litle fellow,^ and a stout adventurouse soldier. Hee was shott through the legge with a
musquett bullett, which broake the master bone of his legge and slew his horse under him. His
legge was healed but was very crooked as long as hee lived.
There happened noe considerable act of hostility in this parish dureing the time of the warres, save
onely one small skirmage, in Myddle, part of which I saw, while I was a schoole boy att Myddle, under
Mr. Richard Rodericke, who commanded us boys to come into the church, soe that wee could not
see the whoale action, but it was thus. There was one Comett Collins, an Irishman, who was a
Garrison soldier for the King, at Shrawerdine Castle. This Collins made his excursions very often
into this parish, and took awaye Catle, provision, and bedding, and what hee pleased. On the day
before this conflict, hee had been att Myddle takeing away bedding, and when Margaret, the wife
of Allen Chaloner, the Smith, had brought out and shewed him her best bedd, hee thinking it too
course, cast it into the lake, before the doore, and troad it imder his horse feet This Comett, on
the day that this contest hapned, came to Myddle and seaven soldiers with him, and his horse
haveing cast a shooe, hee alighted att Allen Chaloner's Shop to have a new one putt on.
There was one Richard Maning, a Garrison soldier att Morton Corbett, for the Parliament
TJiis Maning was brought up as a servant imder Thomas Jukes, of Newton, with whom hee lived
many yeares, and finding that Nat Owen, (of whom I spoake beefore,) did trouble this neighbourhood,
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 41
hee had a grudg against him, and came with seaven more soldiers with him, hopeing toe finde Owen
att Myddle with his wife. This Maningand his companions came to Webscott, and soe over Myddle
Parke, and came into Myddle att the gate by Mr. Gittin's house att what time the Comett's horse was
a shooeing. The Comet hearing the gate clap, looked by the end of the shop and saw the soldiers
comeing, and thereupon hee, and his men mounted theire horses; and as the Comett came att
the end of the shop, a brisk young fellow shott him throw the body with a carbine shott, and hee
fell downe in the lake att Allen Challoner's doore. His men fled, two were taken, and as Maning
was pursueing them in Myddle Wood Feild, which was then imincloased, Maning haveing the best
horse overtooke them, while his partners were farre behinde, but one of the Comett's men shott Man-
ing's horse which fell downe dead under him, and Maning had beene taken prisoner had not some
of his men came to rescue him. Hee tooke the sadle under his arme, and the bridle in his hand, and
went the next way to Wem, which was then a garrison for the Parliament. The horse was killed on
a banke neare the further side of Myddle feild, where the widow Mansell has now apiece incloased.
The Comett was carried into Allen Chaloner's house, and laid on the floore; hee desired to have a
bedde laid under him, butt Margaret told him, shee had none but that which hee saw yesterday; hee
prayed her to forgive him, and lay that under him, which shee did,
" Aspiciunt oculis superi mortalia justis." — Ovid,
Mr. Rodericke was sent for to pray with him. I went with him, and ^w the Comett lying on the
bedd, and much blood running along the floore. In the night following, a Troope of horse came from
Shrawardine, and prest a teame in Myddle, and soe tooke the Comett to Shrawardine, where hee
dyed the next day.
Dimidium sceleratus homo vix transigit eevL
Those two soldiers that were taken att Myddle, were Irishmen, and when they came to Wem
were both hangd ; for the Parliament had made an Ordinance, that all native Irish, that were found
in actuall armes in England should bee hangd, upon which thirteen sufi*ered ; which thing, when
Prince Rupert heard, hee vowed, that the next thirteen that hee tooke should bee soe served ; which
hapned not long after, tor Prince Rupert in the summer after, viz. 1644, came with a great Army this
way, and made his Rendezvous on Holloway Hills, (as hee had done once before, and his brother
Prince Maurice att another time,) and tooke his quarters all night at Cockshutt, and the next day hee
made his Rendezvous at Ellesmeare. Att which time, Mr. Mitton, of Halston, was Generall of the
Parliament forces in this Coimty, and was a valiant and politick commander ; and hearing the Prince
made only his Rendezvous att Ellesmeare and intented to goe forward, the General hopeing to finde
some Straglers in Ellesmeare, that stayd behinde the Army, came with a Troope of horse throw by
wayes, but when hee came to the gate that goes out of Oateley Parke, hee found that hee was come
too soone, for there was three or four troopes of horse at Oately Hall, which gott betweene him and
home ; and therefore, when hee and all his men were come throw the gate they shott a horee dead
up to the gate, to keep it from opening ; but the others soone broke downe two or three ranks of
pales, and followed soe close, that all the Generall's men beefore they came to Ellesmeare were taken.
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42 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
except the General!, and one George Higley (alitle fellow.) Att last, one that had a good horse
overtook the Generally and laid his hand on his shoulder, and said, '' you are my prisoner," but
Higley strooke the other in the face with his sword, which caused him to fell, and soe the Generall
and Higley turned downe the darke lane that goes towards Birch Hall, and the others went straite
into the Towne. But the Generall and Higley escaped, and when they came to Welsh Frankton
there they made a stay and one other of his men came to them. The Generall had lost his hatt, and
being furnished again, hee went to Oswaldstrey, a Garrison for the Parliament
The next day the Prince caused these prisoners to bee brought before him, and ordered thirteen of
them to bee hangd. They cast the dice on a drum head, to see who should dye, and amongst them
there was one Phillip Litleton, who had been servant and keeper of the parke to my old master,
Robert Corbett of Stanwardine, Esqr. This Phillip saw Sir Vincent Corbett, of Morton Corbett, nde
by, and said to some that stood by, " if Sir Vincent Corbett did know that I were here, hee would save
my life.'* Upon this a charitable soldier roade after Sir Vincent and told him what one of the pri-
soners sayed. Hee came back immediately, and seeing Phillip, hee alighted from his horse and fell
on his knees beefore the Prince, (who sate there on horsebacke to see the execution,) and beggd for
the life of Phillip, which was readily granted on condition hee would never beare arms against the
King. Phillip promised and escaped, and afterwards noe more Irish were hangd.
\^.-,W'
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OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THE SEATS IN MYDDLE AND THE FAMILYS TO
WHICH THEY BELONG.
WRITTEN BY RICHARD GOUGH, ANNO iETAT. SU^ 67—1701.
"Cede Majori."
THE CHURCH
** Is God's indostire, and no common ground,
'Tis his freehold, and but our tenement ;
Tenants at will and yet in tail we be :
Our children have the same right to't as we."
A Peiw is a certain place in church incompassed with wainscott, or some other thing, for several
persons to sitt in togeather, A seat or kneeling (for in this case they are the same) in such a part of
a Peiw, as belongs to one families or person. And a peiw may beelong whoaly to one family or it
may beelong to two or three familieys or more. The disposall of Seates in the body of the Church
does beelong to the ordinary, and noe man can claime a right to a seate without prescription or some
other good reason (Boothby v, Bailey). A peiw or seat does not beelong to a person or to land,
butt to an house, therefore if a man remove from an house to dwell in another, hee shall not retaine
the seat belonging to the first house — (Harris v. Wiseman).
A seat, or the prioryty in a seat, may bee claimed by prescription, at common Law and an action
upon the case lyes for it at common law— (litt. 221 — 222). Tf a man sell a dwelling-house with
the appurtenances, the seate in church passes by the word appurtenances. If a man sell all his lands
belonging to his house, and reserve the house, the seat in Church is reserved, and if the purchaser
build an house on the land, hee shall have noe part of the seate. Wee have a tradition, that there
was noe peiws in Churches before the Reformation, but I believe that some of t6e cheife Inhabitants
had peiws in the upper end of the Church beefore that time as appeares by certaine antient cases in
law-books. Neverthelesse, after the Reformation the bodys of the Churches in most places were
furnished with peiws; or with benches (which were called forms), for the people to sitt in while the
Lessons were read and dureing Sermon time. I have heard by antient persons that at first there was
onely three rows of Seates in Myddle Church, and that the space beetweene the South Isle and the
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44 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
South wall was voyd Ground, onely there was a bench all along the South wall. And that afterward
Bayliffe Downton built for himselfe a large wainscott peiw att the upper end of this voyd ground, and
Thomas Niclas of Balderton Hall built another nexte to him, and after, all the rest was furnished
with formes. That Seat which Thomas Niclas mede is now standing behinde the south door of the
Church. There was a broade Isle att the upper end of the Church which did lead from the South
Isle to the North Isle, and the Pulpit stood where it now is, but yett a litle nearer to the Chancell.
But that you may the better understand how the Church was before it was last uniformed, I will give
you a draught of it as well as I can.
I hope noe man will blame mee for not nameing every person according to that which hee conceives
is his right and superiority in the seats in Church, beecause it is a thing impossible for any man to
know; and therefore, I have not endeavoured to doe it, but have written the names according as they
came to my memory; but if any one bee minded to give a guess in this matter, lett him first take notice
of every man's church Icawan, and then look over what I have written concerning the descent and
pedigree of all, or most part of the familyes in this side of the parish, and then hee may give some
probable conjecture in this matter. If any man shall blame mee for that I have declared the viciouse lives
or actions of theire Ancestors, let him take care to avoid such evil courses, that hee leave not a blemish
on his name when he is dead, and let him know that I have written nothing out of malice. I doubt not
but some persons will thinke that many^things that I have written are alltogaetheruselesse; but I doe
believe that there is nothing herein mentioned which may not by chance att one time or other happen
to bee needfuU to some person or other; and, therefore I conclude with that of Rev. Mr. Herbert—
** A skilUiill workeman hardly will refuse
The smallest toole that hee may chance to use."
Att the'time when Myddle Church was uniformed with wainscoat peiws, the Pulpit was made anew
and placed att the Arch where the Table of Benefactors now hangs. The passage from the South Isle
to the North Isle, (att the upper end of the Church,) was through Mr. William Gittin's his seate, and
the seate belonging to Mr. Cotton, Mr. Acherley, and mee. The Seate appointed for Shotton farme
was the uppermost on the North side of the Church. The next was allotted to John More for the
Eagle farme, for hee knew not where to claime any seate. The Pulpit and Reading peiwtooke up all
that which is now Shotton Peiw and Thomas More's Peiw. Now when all things were thus ordered
and agreed unto by all this side of the parish, (except Mr. Watkins) the Archdeacon was requested
as I have heard to come over and confirme what was done; and (as I have heard he appointed a
time,) butt the warrs happened, and hee came not.
At that time there was a new Comunion Table made, a very good one, and alsoe new Comunion
Railes, which were placed square on three sides of the Comunion Table. The old Comunion Table
was brought into the Schoole-house for boyes to write on. The old Reading Peiw was likewise brought
into the Schoole-house for the Schoolemaster to sitt in. Butt when Mr. HoUoway came, hee took them
both to his house, butt now the table is brought back; butt I beelieve the Reading Peiw was pulled in
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45 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
pieces. When the Parliament had gott the upper hand of the King, they made an ordinance, that
the Comunion Railes should bee pulled downe in every place; and these att Myddle were taken downe,
and the Chancell floore was made levell, and the Comunion Table placed in the middle of itt Mr.
William Watkins of Shotton, grandfather of Mr. Watkins that now is, was discontented att the
placeing of the Pulpit; and because the pulpitt staires were sett where his Pew formerly was, hee
caused them to be pulled downe, and hee and some of his family sate in that place, the rest sat in the
pew on the other side of the Isle, But when his son, Francis Watkins, was Churchwarden, which was
about the yeare 1660, hee caused the Pulpit and deske to bee pulled downe and placed where they now
are, takeing up the space of two pews, which were before appointed for Shotton and the Eagle farme •
and where the Pulpitt and deske had stood, hee made a seat for Shotton, somewhat larger than the
rest, and a narrow seate for the passage, which is now appointed a seate for the Eagle farm.
This Francis Watkins, when hee was warden, bought a new Comunion Table which was a long one
and two joined formes for the comunicants to sitt att the table. It was placed along the north side
of the Chancell ; hee gave money for the other Table and brought it to Shotton, where it now stands
in the hall betweene the fire place and the passage that goes into the Brewhouse.
Att the time when King Charles the Second was restored, Robert Amies and Isaac Cleaton were
Churchwardens ; theysett up again the Comunion Railes as now they stand, and bought a newComunion
Table, which now stands in the Chancell, which is the worst of the three. Robert Amies took away
the long Comimion table and the benches, and placed them in his house at Alderton, where they
stood many yeares, untiU his Grandchild's husband (Samuell Wright) took them away. I have heard that
Robert Amies gave the Parish twenty shillings for them.
I. The first Seat on the North side of the North Isle belongs to Mr. Hanmer's farme in Marton,
Mr. Andrew Acherley for the lands in Marton, which were purchased of Lloyd Peirce, Esq., and to
Sleape Hall.
I have heard by ancient persons, that this Peiw (before the Seates were uniformed,) was made of
wamescot on the lower side and on the end next to the North Isle, and there was no doore att the end
next the Isle ; but (the reading peiw standing nearer to the chancell than now it does) there was void
groimd beetween the Reading Peiw and this Seat, out of which void ground, persons did tume into this
peiw at the side of it ; and it is said that Mr. Hanmer did usually sitt at the end of the seat next
to the Isle, with his backe towardsthe Isle, for there was a seat over crosse that end of the Peiw, and this
was accoimted the cheife seat in that peiw, because it gave the fairest prospect to see the minister.
Mr. Hanmer's farme did formerly belong to the Manor of Walford. The family of the Hords were
Lords of it and of the Manor of Stanwardine in the wood, and (issue male of Hord failelng,) one of the
Kinastons of Hordley marryed the daughter of Hord, and soe became Lord of Wallford, &c. The
last (save one) of the Kinastons of Walford, was Phillip Kinaston, who had three sons — ^Thomas, to
whom hee gave Walford and Stanwardine and severall other lands ; Richard, to whom he gave a
farme in Eyton, (which is now Tomkins his farm, Richard died without issue, and this farme reverted
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46 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
againe to Walford ; Edward, to whom hee gave this ^irme in Marton, which I call Mr. Hanmer's fanne.
Thomas Kinaston of Wallford had two legitimate daughters and a bastard son. He left, (as I
conceive,) Sir Vincent Corbett of Moreton Corbett, Gardian to his two daughters. This Sir Vincent
Corbett was a very eminent person in this coimty. In his time he had the sons of Esquires and worthy
gentlemen to wayte on him as his servants. Hee married the two daughters of Kinaston to two of his
servants, viz. Dorothy the eldest, who was an easy, mild-natured gentiewoman, hee married to Ralph
Clive, a branch of that worthy family of the Clives of Stits or Stich, who had issue by her, Edward
Clive. This Edward married the daughter and heires of Richard Lloyd of Kayhowell, and by
that means added the ferme of Kayhowell, and seven tenements in Edgerley to his other estate
which was Walford, Wooderton, Eyton farme, and some part of Boreatton. Edward had ishue,
George Clive, a very bad husband; hee sold Kayhowell, and the seven tenements. Hee sold
Wooderton and what hee had of Boreatton ; hee sold all, save what was soe settled at marriage that
he could not sell itt Hee lay long a prisoner for debt ; but whether hee dyed a prisoner I cannot^say.
Hee marryed Judith, the daughter of— Hanmer of Marton, and had ishue by her, Thomas Clive, who
was a CoUonell in the Parliament army, in the warrs, temp. Car. I. He married the daughter of Mr.
Wareing of Woodcott, and had ishue by her, George Clive, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert
Corbett of Stanwardine, Esq., and had ishue by her, Thomas Clive, now (1701) liveing.
Jane, the second daughter of Thomas Kinaston, was married to Robert Corbett, son of Roger
Corbett of Shawbury^ Esq., descended from the Right Worship family of the Corbetts of Moreton
Corbett Hee had with her Stanwardine in the wood, and severall Lands in Hampton wood, Sugdon,
Burleton, Wikey, Marton, and Newton of the Hill. He built Stanwardine Hall that now is. The
Hall formerly stood in a place not far distant, which was moated about It is now converted into a
Gardine, and still retaines the name of the old Hall. This Robert Corbet had ishue, Thomas and
Richard, and a daughter, who has married to Phillip Young of Keinton, Esq. Richard was a Bar-
rester at Law, and sometyme Steward to the Right Honble. Earle of Anmdell; hee dyed without issue.
Thomas, the eldest son, inlarged Stanwardine Parke, and purchased Lands in Wicherley and Bagley.
Hee married Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of Sir Vincent Corbett, of Moreton Corbett, and had
ishue by her, Robert and Mary, and then dyed. His Widow afterward married Sir Thomas Scriven ;
she lived to a good old age, and I have seene her read a letter without spectacles when she was
above eighty yeares old. Mary, the daughter of Thomas Corbett, married — Reve, Esq., steward to
the Marquesse of Winchester, imediately beefore Daniel Wicherley of Clive, Esq. Robert, the only
son of Thomas Corbett, was a very eminent person in this coimty, in his time; hee was a Justice of
Peace and quorum Custos Rotulorum of this Coimty, and a Master in Chancery. Under him I had
my education for many yeares, and served him as his Clarke; hee was once chosen a Knight for the
Shire, and served in Parliament, where they presented the Protector with twenty-four Acts; hee
was willing to signe some of them, but not all ; butt the Parliament had voted that all should be
signed or none. The Protector tooke time to consider untill ne!xt day, and then hee came to the
parliament house with a frowneing countenance, and with many opprobriouse termes, dissolved them,
and gave them the carrecter of a packe of stubberne knaves. This Robert marryed Elizabeth, the
daughter of Sir Henry Ludlow of Clarington Parke, in Wiltshire, and had ishue by her, Thomas, and
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 47
4 daughters. Thomas Corbett manyed Mary Gerard, of Stroton in the West. They are both liveing
in the County of Worcester, for Stanwardine is sold to Sir John Win, of Watstay, so called from
Wat or Walter stopping here.
I should now retume to Marton, but beecause many maryages of persons in this parish of Myddle
have beene made with persons of Cayhowell, I will say something of that farme. — I have before
mentioned, that Edwanl Clive had this farme by the maryage of the daughter and heiresse of Richard
Uoyd, and that hee had ishue by her, George Clive. This George Chve sold it to Sir Thomas
Harris, (one of the first Baronets which King James the First created in this county, and a great
Lawyer.) But when this Sir Thomas Harris had purchased Boreatton and the Manor of Baschurch
of Sir William Onslow, hee sold this farme to Thomas Bradocke a Citizen of London, who came
downe and lived att KayhowelL Roger Sandford, of Newton on the Hill, maryed Mary, the Sister
of this Thomas Bradocke. His son, Thomas BradocJce, maryed Elizabeth, the daughter of Rowland
Hill, of Hawkston, Esq. Richard Tyler, of Balderton, maryed Mary, the Sister of this Thomas
Bradocke ; and Andrew, the son of this Thomas Bradocke, maryed Dorothy, my onely Sister, and
dying a few years after, left one son and one daughter behind him, both which dyed without ishue,
and the Inheritance descended to the two daughters of Frances, (the Sister of Andrew,) which
she hadd by Mr. Bourey, then minister of Holt, in the county of Denbigh. The eldest of these
daughters maryed one Mede, a Proctor in the Consistory Court of Dublin, in Ireland. The
younger marryed one Fennyhurst, a mercer in the Cyty of West Chester. These foure joineing
togeather, sold the inheritance to Mr. Simon Hanmer of Duflrid ; but my sister being yet alive,
retaines her Jointure out of it
There is a wounderfuU thing observable concerning this farme, of which I may say, in the words of
Du Bartas —
" Strang to bee told, and though believed of few.
Yet is not soe incredible as true.**
It is observed that if the chiefe person of the family that inhabits in this farme doe fall sick, if his
sicknesse bee to death, there comes a paire of pidgeons to the house about a fortnight or a weeke
before the person's death, and continue there imtill the person's death, and then goe away. This I
have knowne them doe three severall times, ist. Old Mr. Bradocke, fell sicke about a quarter of a
yeare after my Sister was maryed, and the paire of pidgeons came thither, which I saw. They did
every night roust under the shelter of the roofe of the kitchen att the end, and did sit upon the ends
of the side raisers. In die day time they fled about the gardines and yards. I have scene them
pecking on the hemp butt as if they did feed, and for ought I know they did feed. They were
pretty large pidgeons ; die feathers on their tayles were white, and the long feathers of theire wings,
their breasts, and beHyes, white, and a large white ring about theire necks ; but the tops of theire
heads, their backs, and theire wings, (except the long feathers,) were of a light browne or nutmeg
colour. (My brother-in-law Andrew Bradocke, told mee that hee feared his mother would die, for
there came such a pair of pidgeons before his father's death, and hee had heard they did soe beefore
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48 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
the death of his grandfather.) After the death of Mrs. Bradocke, the pidgeons went away. 2ndly.
About three-quarters of a year after the death of Mrs. Bradocke, my father goeing to give a visit to
them at Kayhowell, fell sicke there and lay sicke about nine or ten weekes. About a fortnight
beefore his death, the pidgeons came ; and when hee was dead, went away, jrdly. About a yeare
after his death, my brother-in-law, Andrew Bradocke, fell sicke, the pidgeons came, and hee died ;
they seemed to me to bee the same pidgeons at all these three times. When I went to pay Mr.
Smalman, then minister of Kynerley the buriall feee for Andrew Bradocke, wWch was in April, Mr.
Smahnan said, this is the fiftieth Corps which I have interred here since Candlemas last, and God
knows who is next, which happened to bee himselfe. Andrew Bradocke died of a sort of a rambeling
feavourish distemper, which raged in that coimtry, and my sister soone after his decease fell sicke,
but shee recovered, and dureing her sicknesse, the pidgeons came not, which I observed, for I went
thither every day, and returned att night Afterwards my Sister sett out her farme to John Owen a
substantiall tenant, who about three yeares after, fell sicke ; and my Sister comeing to Newton, told
mee that shee feared her tenant would bee dead, for hee was sicke, and the pidgeons were come ; and
hee died then. You may read a parallel story to this in Mr. Camden, who speakeing of the worship-
ful family of the Brcreton's in Cheshire, sayes, that before the death of any heire of thet family, of
Breretons there bee seene in a poole adjoineing, bodyes of trees swiming for certaine dayes togeather.
Hee there likewise gives his opinion how these things come to passe ; but I leave it to those who
are better learned than I am in the secretts of Philosophy. But now I retume to Marton.
Mr. Kinaston had ishue four daughters ; the first was married imto Roger Hanmer a younger
brother of diat Right Worshipful family of the Hanmers, of Hanmer in Flintshire. The second
was married to one Onslow, 6f the family of Boreatton. The third to one Partridge of Aderley.
The fourth was married to some person thereabout whose name I have not heard. The two younger
sisters sold theire parts to Mr. Hanmer; but Onslow had a fourth part of the lands appointed out for
him, and built a house upon it, which is that house in Marton which stands next to this end of the
lane that leads from Marton to Weston Lullingfeild. Roger Hanmer had ishue, Edward and Judith.
This Judith was married to George Clive of Wallford, as I sayd before. Edward Hanmer had
ishue — Humphrey, and Elizabeth, who was married to Thomas Ash of Marton. Humphrey had
ishue, William, who married the daughter of one Baker of Marton, a tenant to the Corbetts of
Stanwardine, and had ishue by her, William, the second of that name. His father was wanting in
giveinghim good leameing; but hee had good naturall parts, and for comely liniaments of body,
and for a nimble strength and activity of body none in the parish exceeded him. Hee marryed
Elizabeth, the daughter of Edward Tomkins of Grafton, in the parish of Baschurch, and had ishue by
her, Humphrey Hanmer, who married Elizabeth the youngest daughter of John Groom, of Sleape,
and had ishue by her, Humphrey and Elizabeth, who both dyed when they were allmost come to
their maturity. His wife died about the same time: and after hee married Mary, the daughter of
Edward Thomes of Treginvor, and had severall children by her, and, dying, left them very young.
There is a kneeling in this Peiw, which belongs to that chiefe house in Marton which Thomas
Acherley purchased of Lloyd Peirce, Esq. ; it is not that house wherein Andrew Acherley nowdweUes
but the house which stands on the right hand as wee go from the street to Andrew Acherle/s dwelling
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 49
house, and is now made use of for malting roomes and corne chambers; and the bame that stands on
the west side of it is all the building that beelongs to it I can give noe accoimt of the family of
Lloyd Peirce, neither is it necessary; but I shall give an account of the Acherleyes, since they had
any estate in this parish.
There was one Richard Acherley, a younger brother of that antient and substantiall family of the
Acherleyes of Stanwardine in the feilds. He was a tanner, and had his tan-house in Stanwardine in
the feild, but he lived (as a tenant) at Wicherley Hall. Hee purchased lands in Marton of David
Owen, and one Twiford. I supose these two had married two co-heiresses, for I finde noe mention
of butt one house of the lands, and that stood on a sandy banke on this side of Mr. Acherle/s new
bames. Richard Acherley had ishue, Thomas Acherley, to whom hee gave these lands in Marton.
This Thomas was a tanner and dwelt in Marton, and held Mr. Lloyd Peirce his house there and
dwelt in it, and suffered the other to goe to decay. He built a tan-house, which is now standing by
the old mill brooke. Hee had two sons — Thomas, the second of that name, and Richard, hee had
also two daughters. After the death of his first wife hee married the widow of Nicholas Gough of
Wolverley, a very wealthy widow. Hee went to live with her att Wolverley, and gave his lands in
Marton to his eldest son Thomas, who marryed Elinor, the Sister of Roger Griffiths, an eminent
Alderman in Shrewsbury; and this Roger Griffiths likewise marryed Mary the oldest sister of this
Thomas Acherley. The younger daughter was marryed to one Simcocks, a mercer in Whitchurch.
Richard, the younger son, was marryed at Wolverley, and died about myddle age. Thomas Acherley
the second, was a taimer. Hee was att first tenant to Lloyd Peirce, Esq., and had his house burnt •
but Lloyd Peirce caused him to re-build itt, butt hee, haveing a lease, built a house as large as the
old one, and imployed it for a malt house, and built a faire house neare it for his habitation upon
the lands which his Grandfather purchased of Owen and Twiford, and afterward purchased Lloyd
Peirce's lands. Hee alsoe purchased Onslow's tenement in Marton, the tythes of Weston Lullingfeild
and severall lands there, on which hee built a fayre house and buildings, lands in Montgomeryshire
and tooke severall leases. Hee was a great dealer in timber, and bought Myddle park, and a wood
in Petton, called the Rowe lands. Hee had three sons — Thomas, who was sett apprentice to a draper
in Shrewsbury served his time, and soone after dyed immarried; Andrew, whom he married to a
wealthy fanner's daughter in Montgomeryshire, and gave him the lands that were in that county;
Richard marryed the daughter of Mr. Rowland Hill of Hawkstone, and to him Thomas Acherley
gave all his lands in Marton, his leases, his tythes, gnd lands in Weston Lullingfeild. For this
Thomas Acherley was blamed by many persons, who said, that this'was a disinheriting of the elder
son, and that such things doe seldome prosper, of which they gave many examples, as in Mr.
Lockett's estate in Wollerton, Mr. Jennings his estate in Muckleton, &c. Exitus acta probat
Richard Acherley dyed, and left his wife priviment insent of a daughter, which was borne after the
father's decease, and is yet liveing (1701). The widow married Mr. Thomas Harwood, a rich Groser
in Shrewsbury. Upon the death of Richard without ishue male, the antient inheritance in Marton
and the lands purchased of Peirce Lloyd, reverted to Andrew Acherley, and his heires. Mr.
Harwood, in right of his wife, and as Gardian to Margaret, Daughter of Richard Acherley, has
the tithes and lands in Weston Lullingfeild, Onslow's tenement in Marton, and a lease of a small
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50 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
tenement in Marton, called Edge's tenement Thomas Acherley, the second, had 4 daughters.
I. Anne, who married Glutton, a Cheshire gendeman, and had ishue by him, now living (1701); but
hee is long since dead, and shee is marryed to another. 2. Elinor, who married Nathaniel, the son
of Mr. Ralph Kinaston, of Lansaintfraid, and after his decease married Mr. Lloyd, minister of l^n-
saintfraid, who is likewise dead. Shee is a widow, and has noe child. 3. Jane, who married Cole,
of Shrewsbury. Esq., and has noe ishue. 4. Mary, who married Mr. Charles Chambre of Burleton,
and has idiue by him, two sons, both comely and hopefuU youths. This Thomas Acherley the
2nd, did serve many offices with much care and faithfullnesse. Hee was three times High Constable
of the Himdred of Pimhill; hee was often Churchwarden of this Parish. Hee bequeathed 24s.
per anniun to the Poore of this Parish. His wife, Elinor, survived him, and she left £ic, the
interest to be given yeatly att All-hallow-tyde.
SLEAPE HALL; a/ias LYTTE SLEAPE.
There is a part of this Peiw beelonging to Sleape Hall, the estate of the Manwarings, of Esquire's
degree, in Cheshire. This farme has usually been sett to tenants. The feniily of the Groomes
were tenants here (by severall leases) for many generations. They had likewise a good estate in
lands in Sleape towne ; and when the eldest son was marryed, hee had the estate in Sleape towne,
and the father lived, as a lease tenant, at Sleape HalL My grandmother was borne in this Hall,
and was daughter of John Groome, and sister to William Groome, of Sleape town, great grand-father
of Thomas Groome, now (1701) of Sleape towne. The last of the Groomes that was tenant of this
farme was John Groome, brother, by a second venter, to my grandmother. Hee marryed a daughter
out of that antient family of the Lovekins of Tylley. Hee was a bad husband ; and, haveing wasted
most part of his stocke, hee parted with this farme, and tooke a less place. After him, one Geoige
Reve, a Cheshire dayryman, came to bee tenant of it Hee was a bragging, boasting, vain-glorious
person, and haveing the benefitt of some fhiitfiill yeares, hee gott some money beefore hand, but
could not fare well, but hee must cry " Roast," which his landlord heareing of, packed him off, and
came to live there himselfe. His name was George Manwaring ; hee repaired and beautylyde
the house, and made a new groimd cellar imder the parlor.
In the time that this Mr. Manwaring dwelt at Sleape Hall, hee complained to my old Master,
Robert Corbett, Esq., and Thomas Hunt, Esq., Justices of the peace at theire monthly meeting held
for th^'*? hundred of Punhill, that Billmarsh Lane, which was his Churchway, was out of repaire, and
desired an order for the Inhabytants of Myddle, or the parish of Myddle to repaire it But the
justices beeing acquainted by the parish officers that it was noe roade way, they refused to make
such order, and told him if it was his church way, hee must make it faire for his owne benefitt After
some yeares, Mr. Manwaring removed againe into Cheshire, and Rowland Plungin became tenant
to this farme ; hee had Arthvir and John. This Arthur displeased his father by marrying the widow
of Thomas Tyler of Balderton, who had many small children, soe that hee gave them lytle or
nothing ; but his mother was kinde to him. John marryed Margarett, the daughter of Richard
Jukes, of Newton; and, (as is reported,) had 50^ portion with her. After the decease of Rowland,
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 51
his son John (to whom hee had given most part of his stocke and household goods) became a
bad husband, wasted his stocke, and went behinde hand with his rent, and, therefore, the Landlord,
makeing him a considerable abatement of his arrearages, turned him away. Hee went afterward
to Balderton Hall, where hee spent the rest of his stocke, and now lives in a cottage in Myddle
where hee maintaines himself by day labour.
After John Plungin, William Cooke, a Cheshire man, came to bee tenant there and lives there
now, in good repute. All the time that Mr. Manwaring dwelt at Sleap Hall, hee sate uppermost
in this seat ; but when tenants are there Mr. Acherley sits above them. The church leawan for
Sleap Hall is 4s. ; for Hanmer tenement, 2s. Sd. What Mr. Acherley pays for Lloyd Peirce's land,
I know not ; for the leawan of his antient inheritance and this land, are joined together, and are
2S, lod.
The second Peiw on the North side of the North Isle,
This seat belongs whoally to the farme called the Hollins, whose leawan is ix, 6d. This farme is
the Earle of Bridgewater's land ; and it is reported that the house was a dayry house belonging to
Myddle Castle. I am give noe accompt of any tenant of this farme, further than Humphrey Reynolds
who was Chiurchwarden of this parish when the register was transcribed in Mr Wilton's time. One
William Cleaton marryed a daughter of this Reynolds, and soe beecame tenant of this ferme, and
had a lease for the lives of himselfe, his wife, and Francis, his eldest son. Hee lived in good repute,
and served severall offices in this parish. Hee had 4 sons. i. Francis, who displeased his father
in manying with Margaret Vaughan, a Welsh woman, sometime servant to Mr. Kinaston, Rector of
Myddle, and therefore hee gave him lytle or nothing dureing his life. 2. Isaac who marryed a
daughter of one White, of Meriton, and had a good portion with her. The widow Lloyd, of
Leaton, who is very rich in land and money, is a daughter of this Isaac 3. Samuell, who marryed
Susan, the daughter of Thomas Jukes, of Newton on the Hill, and lived a tenant to Mr. Hunt, in
Baschurch. 4. Richard, an untowardly person. He marryed Annie, the daughter of William
Tyller, a woman as infamous as himselfe. " Pares cum paribus facilime congregantur." The parents
on both sides were displeased, (or seemed soe,) with this match, and therefore allowed the new
marryed couple noe maintenance. Richard Cleaton soone out run his wife, and left his wife bigge
with child. Shee had a daughter, which was brought up by Allen Challoner, (the smith) of Myddle ;
for his wife was related to William Tyler. This daughter came to bee a comely and handsome
woman. Shee went to live in service towards Berrinton, beyond Shrewsbury, but I have not heard
of her lately.
Richard Cleaton went into the further part of this County ; and below Bridgnorth hee gott another
wife, and had severall children by her. At last, Anne Tyler, his first wife, caused'him to bee appre-
hended, and indicted him att an Assizes at Bridgnorth upon the statute of Poligami. Shee proved
that shee was marryed to him, but could not prove that hee was married to the other woman, but
only that hee lived with her, and had children by her. The other woman denied that shee was
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52 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
manyed to him ; and thereupon the Judge sayd " Then thou art a whore." To which shee answered
"the worse luck mine my lord." Cleaton was acquitted, and went out of the coimtry with the other
woman^ and I never heard more of him.
William Cleaton, by his last will, bequeathed his lease of this farme to his eldest son Francis, and
his second son Isaac, equally betweene them. It was divided accordingly ; — Isaac had the dwelling
house ; and Francis built for himselfe a lytic house and out-houses on his part Some while
after the death of William Cleaton, the Earle of Bridgewater's officers gave notice to the tenants that
any person that had a life, or lives, ip a lease, might have them exchanged, but noe more lives putt
into the lease. Upon this, Isaac Cleaton desired his Brother Francis, that hee might exchange
Francis his life and putt in another, which was agreed upon ; and Isaac took a new lease, and putt in his
son William's life and gave securyty that Francis should hould the one halfe during his life. But it
happened that Isaac dyed, and his son William proved a bad husband, and spent most of his estate
and then dyed ; soe that the lease was expired. The securyty given to Francis was become poore and
not responsible. Francis was still living, and lost all. His son William tooke the farme on the racke
rent ; and dureing his father's life, which was many yeares, hee payd rent, and now, his father beeing
lately dead, he holds the farme.
ne third Feiw on the North side of the North Isle beeiongs whoaly to Sleape Hall.
The fourth Peiw on the North side of the North Isle.
This belongs to Mr. Hanmer, of Marton, and to that house in Marton which Mr. Acherley
purchased of Mr. Onslow. I have shewed before, that this land, and Mr. Hanmer's, did both belong
to Mr. Kinaston, of Walford, and that bee gave it to his son, Edward, who had 4 daughters, and
coheires; and that Onslow married the second daughter, and had a fourth part of the land
assigned to him, and built a house upon it; and soe came to sit in this peiw. Mr. Thomas Acherley
the second, bought this house and land of one of the Onslows. Thomas Manning was then in
possession of it and had a lease of it for his wife's life. She was a sickly woman for many yeares,
and noe one conceived that she could live a twelvemonth to an end; yett Thomas Acherley gave 7
yeares pmrchase for Manning's lease. Manning removed to Welsh Hampton, and lived a tenant imder
my master Robert Corbett, Esq. The woman recovered her health, and lived many yeares. Thomas
Acherley gave this house and land to his son Richard; and now Mr. Harwood, who married the
widow of Richard, hath it in right of his wife, but Mr. Andrew Acherley holds it on a rent, and his
daughters sit in the seat Some yeares past, (I think allmost 20,) there happened a difference betweene
Thomas Acherley and Humphrey Hanmer, concerning the prioryty in this peiw; and to spare the
charges of a tediouse suit in law, there was a wager of halfe-a-crowne layd betweene them, and putt into
the hands of Mr. Arthur Chambre, of Burleton. The wager was sued for in Myddle Court, according
to the maner of fained Actions, where all the witnesses on both sides were swome, and examined by
Mr. John Edwards, then Stewart. The Stewart seemed to bee of oppinion that the head kneeling in
the peiw did belong to Mr. Hanmer; but the jury, (not considering whether it was more lykely that the
chiefe kneeling did belong to the chiefe house, that had three parts of the land beelonging to it, or to
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 53
the house built by Onslow, which had but a fourth part belonging to it,) gave a verdict for Mr.
Acherley, for which they were much blamed by many of the parish, and openly upbraided by others.
After this suite, none of the Famyly of Mr. Hanmer did ever sit in this seat ; and, although many have
dyed in that famyly since that time, yett none of them were burryed att Myddle, but all at Baschurch.
It is thought by some, that Mr. Thomas Acherley, before his death, did begin to suspect that hee was in
an error about this seate in church. He was buried in this seate, neare the door; and some have said
that hee gave orders soe to doe — ^but hee did not claime that place to bee his kneeling. Andrew
Acherley says that Onslow had the chiefe house, and Hanmer built a new one, which may alterthe case.
Thefift Peiw on the North side of the North Isle,
This peiw beelongs whoally to Mr. Lloyd's house in M)rddle ; which house stands over against the
north door of the church. The famyly of the Lloyds is very antient, if not the antientest famyly in
this part of the parish, as appeares by antient deeds; yet I can give noe accompt, further than
Thomas Lloyd, grandfather of Richard now owner of this house and lands, and of a tenement in
Houlston, which alsoe is the antient inheritance of the Lloyds. This Thomas Lloyd lived at Emstrey ;
where hee had a lease of a considerable farme, or tenement. His Brother, Roger Lloyd, was tenant
to him att Myddle, and was a rich man.
Thomas Lloyd, of Emstrey, hadishue, Thomas, who lived sometime at Emstrey, and marryed......
Afterward hee sold his leaSe at Emstrey, and came to Myddle. Hee purchased a small tenement at
English Frankton, and some lands in Balderton, of Mr. Thomas Hall; and some meadows,, in Newton
called Bald Meadows (in antient deeds, Borde Medues). He was a peaceable man, and well beloved.
Hee had ishue, two sons and one daughter. Richard, the eldest, hee brought up to the study of
divinity. Hee is now Rector of Petton. Hee married a gentlewoman of a good family : her maiden
name was Dormer. Hee has noe ishue. Thomas, the other son, married the daughter of Thomas
Freeman, of Marton, and has one son. To this Thomas the father gave all his purchased lands.
His daughter was married to one William Vaughan, a freeholder in Kinton, and has several children.
Thomas Lloyd, of Myddle, gave and bequeathed £,% to the poore of this side of the parish of
Myddle,— the interest to be distributed on St Thomas's day, yearley.
The sixt Pdw on the North side of the North Isle.
This peiw belongs to Edward Garland's house, in Newton on the Hill, and Balderton Hall, for
theire servants to sit in. I will speake of Balderton Hall when I come to the chiefe seate belonging
to itt; and att present, of this land of Edward Garland. I finde that John Le Strange, by deed,
without date, (and therefore likely to bee made before the Reigne of Edward III, in whose time deeds
began to be dated,) did grant one halfe rood (dimid. virgat, terrae) 2 noakes of land, and a messuage
and croft, and part of Borde Meadow, now called Bald Meadow, and one noake of land, and half a
mesuage and croft, and part in Bald Meadow, all of them in Newton, unto Richard of Haloh, son of
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54 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Roger of Borelton, How these lands came to Banaster, of Church Eyton, in the county of Stafford,
I cannot say, having noe deed to that purpose ; but I have beene credibly informed by antient persons
that these lands did beelong to Banaster, of this Eyton, who was likewise owner of Hadnall, and
much land in this country. I find that Banaster, in the third yeare of the Reigne of Henry VIII, sold
halfe a messuage, and a noake of land in Newton, to one Widow Hussey. I finde, that on the loth
of September, in the i6th of King Henry VIII, Elizabeth Smith, (late widow Hussey, and daughter
of Richard Hinkis,) and John Hussey, her son sold half a messuage, and half a tenement, and a noake
of land in Newton, in the fee of Myddle, (which the said Elizabeth had of the guift of Thomas Banaster,
of Church Eyton, and William, his son,) unto Thomas Colfex, of Muriden. I finde, that in the 20th
of Henry VIII, Thomas Child, citizen of Westminster, son of Thomas Child of Hampston Corvisor,
sold halfe a messuage and 3 noakes of land in Newton, to Thomas Colfex, of Mereden, In the 3d
yeare of Edward VI, Thomas Colfex gave his lands in Newton to Arthur Jukes, of Haston, in
exchange for lands in Haston. There was a cottage in Newton, which was the lands of one Richard
Knight, Esq. and was held by one Browne. This cottage was sold by Kxught, in the 5th of
Edward VI, foi 7£, to Robert Ireland, a draper in Shrewsbury. Knight covenanted that the cottage
was worth 14s. per annum. In the 14th of Queene Elizabeth, this Robert Ireland sold the cottage
to Arthur Jukes. Thus you have an accompt of the lands of Arthur Jukes in Newton ; hee had lands
in Haston, of about £ao per annum, besides the lands which hee gave in exchange to Colfex. This
Arthur Jukes had, (by Joane his wife,) two sons, Thomas and John. Hee gave the Lands in Newton
to Thomas and the Lands in Haston to John.
Thomas Jukes was a hauling, bould, confident person; hee often kept company with his betters,
but shewed them noe more respecte than if they had beene his equalls or inferiors. Hee was a
great bowler, and often bowled with Sir Humphrey Lea att a Bowling Greene on Haremeare Heath,
neare the end of the Lea Lane; where hee would make noe more accoimt of Sir Humphrey, than if hee
had beene a plow-boy. Hee would ordinaryly tell him hee lyed, and sometymes throw the bowle att
his head, and then they parted in wrath. But within few dayes. Sir Humphrey would ride to Newton,
and take Jukes with him to the bowles; and if they did not fall out, would take him home and make
him drunL This Thomas Jukes married Margaret, the sister of James Wicherly, of Yorton, of an
antient and substantiall family. Hee had ishue by her, Thomas and Michaell, whom hee usually
called Mim, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Alice. (I will here, and in other famylyes, speake of the
heire last of all) Michaell was sett an apprentice in London, but for some misdemeanor, came to an
untimely end. Elizabeth marryed one Moses Sharpe, who had a small tenement or cottage, on the side
of Leaton Heath ; they were pritty rich, and had noe ishue. Alice marryed William Maddox, a weaver
in Greensell, who held a small tenement there under the worshipfiill family of the Corbetts, of Moreton
Corebett. Thomas Jukes, the second of that name, was a good ingeniouse person, well skilled in
any country afaires. Hee was churchwarden when the Steple was built, and when the church was
uniformed ; att both which times, hee managed those matters with much discretion. Hee marryed
Margaret, the daughter of Twisse of Hadnall, of a substantiall femily. Hee had ishue by her,
four sons, Richard, Thomas, John, and James, — and six daughters, Maiy, Elizabeth, Sarah, Susan,
Jane and Margarett. Thomas, the second son, was sett apprentice in London, to a leather-seller.
Hee was sett up, and beeing a bad husband, broke. Hee was killed on Tower^hilL The occasion of
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 55
his death was thus : Soone afber the Restautation of King Charles the Second, there came an
Ambassadore from Spaine, and an Ambassadore from France, who both landed (much about the
same time) in one day at Tower Wharfe, and were both lodged that night in the Tower ; to the end,
that the King's coach and other nobleman's coaches might the day following come thither to conduct
them to Westnunster, to the places appointed for theire severall lodgings. There was a report that
there would bee a difference between the ambassadors about precedency, (/.^) who should follow
next after the King's coach, and this beeing knowne to the King, he caused proclamation to bee
made, that if any dissention happened betweene the ambassadors, none of the King's subjects, upon
paine of his displeasure, should take part with either of them. Now there was in London at that
time far more Frenchmen than Spaniards, and therefore, the Spaniard endeavoured to hire persons
to assist him ; amongst whom this Thomas Jukes was one, who had a Spanish suite given him, and
had, or was to receive fifty shillings. That night, the Spanish ambassador caused all his coach
hamesse to bee made anew, and chaines of iron to bee put within the hamesse, but the French
ambassador did not do so. On the next morning all the Spaniards and Frenchmen then in Lolidoni
flocked together on Tower HilL The Frenchmen marched in great companyes along the street,
with every man a white handkerchief tyed about his arme. The aprentices cursed them, and would
willingly have beene doing with them, but their masters with great care restrained them. Att last
the King's coach came to Tower-hill, and both the ambassadors' coaches sett out, and immediately
the Frenchman's harness was cut his horses went away: the French ambassador in his coach stayd
beehinde. The like was endeavoured to be done to the Spaniard, but they could not cutt the
chaines. In this hurly burly, a Frenchman that came behind Tom Jukes ran him deare throw the
body with an halberd.. Hee fell downe dead by the side of the Spanish ambassador's coach, who
tooke him into his coach, and brought him downe to Durham Yard, where lodgings were appointed
for that ambassador. Hee was att the charges of his funerall, and gave his widow five poimds. In
Mr. Baker's chronicle it is said, that a Dawber was killed, and that this Tom Jukes after hee was
broake did worke day labour, and perhaps att this callmg, to gett his liveing.
John, the third son, marryed the sister of Richard Nightingale, of Harlescott, and afterwards of
Myddle. James, the youngest son, was a baker, and lived in Wem. Hee was a very ingeniouse
person, and a very skillfiill cooke. Hee had a courteouse, obliging carriage, and had great custome
to his house. Hee marryed first a daughter of Robert Higginsons of Tylley ; secondly hee marryed
a daughter of one Hussey, of Aston, neare Wem, a handsome woman, who hardly escaped the cen-
sures that are usually cast upon a faire hostesse. And thirdly, hee marryed a daughter ot William
Menlove, an inkeeper, that held the Raven in Wem. Shee out-lived him. Hee dyed of a dropsy,
when hee was about forty yeares of age. The two oldest daughters of Thomas Jukes, namely, Mary
and Elizabeth, went to London, and were there marryed and lived happy. The third daughter,
Sarah, was marryed to Samuell Davis, tenant of a farme called the Lea; it lyes betweene Stanwar-
dine in the wood, and Petton, and is in the towneshipp of Kenwick's Wood. Susan, the fourth
daughter, was marryed to Samuell Cleaton; as I said before, Jane, the fifth daughter, marryed
Thomas Hughes, and lived att Hadnall. After her decease hee marryed a second wife. Margaret,
the youngest daughter, marryed Robert Ames, whom they call, " lytle Robert Ames." Shee lived
and dyed att Broughton.
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56 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Richard, the eldest son, and heire of Thomas, was a sort of a morose, lofty, imperious person, and
was beloved of few. Hee married Elinor, the daughter of Roger Bird, who had some time an
estate in Haston, but sold it, and tooke a lease of a farme in Harlescott, imder Pelham Corbett, of
Adbright Hussey, Esq. This Elinor was a comely proper woman, of a friendly and curtuouse
disposition. Hee had ishue by her, Richard, and Margarett who was married to John Plimgin, as I
said beefore. After the decease of Elinor, hee marryed Anne, the daughter of William Catchett,
of Harlescott, and had with her sixty pounds portion, which was all given to a woman in Shrews-
bury, whome he had wounded with an halberd in the belly, in one of his prodigall drunken himiors
at Batlefeild faire. Hee had four or five children by her, and dyed somewhat past mydle age,
and left his children all yoimg, except his eldest daughter Margarett Richard Jukes, the second
of that name, was about thirteen years of age att his father's death. Hee was left in noe debt by
his father, but, by his bad courses, he soone gott far in debt. Hee married Mary, the daughter of
one Pidgeon of Besford, who had fifty pounds to her portion in her owne hands ; when his wife's
freinds came to understand how much hee was indebted, they conceived it was impossible for him
to retreive it without selling his land ; and when it was sett to sale I purchased it, and I intended
it for my eldest sonne; butt it pleased God that hee dyed, and my other two sons were both sett
apprentices, and therefore, I sold the house, and some part of the land to Edward Garland ; who,
by this meanes, came to have this Kneeling. This Edward Garland was "son of Roger Garland, of
Sleape, who married Margarett, the daughter and heiresse of George Tyler, a rich freeholder in
Sleape, whose first wife was the daughter of Mr. Richardson, a wealthy farmer, of that large farme
in Wem parish, called the Trench Farme, which is thought to bee worth 300/. per annum. This
Richard Jukes dyed poore, and left many small children beehind him.
I^e Seavenih Ptiw on the North Side of tJu North Isle.
This beelongs whoaly to Mr. Andrew Acherley. I doe believe it did belong to that house which
Richard Acherley purchased of Owen and Twiford, butt now it is made use of only for servants.
The eighth Peiw on the North Side of the North Isle.
s. d.
This Peiw beelongs to Samuel Braine, whose leawan is o 01 04
To John Eaton, whose leawan is o 01 00
To Thomas Peirce, whose leawan is o 00 08
Braine's family is very antient in this parish. William Braine had three sons — ^William, MichaeH
and Samuel, who was first plow-boy, and after grome of the stable to Mr. Chambre, of Petton. William
the father, left a widow behinde him, who married one Michael Almond. He built a lytle apartment
att the end of Braine's house, next the street, and lived in it; and now one Judith Downton lives in it
William Braine, the second, marryed a wife, and had one son, named William; and soone after hee
and his wife both dyed, and left the son very young. Michaell, the second Brother, lived then as a
servant with Mr. Barker, of Haughmond, and was brewer and baker there. Upon the death of his
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 57
brother William, he came to Myddle, and entered on his brother's stocke and liveing, and maintained
the child. Whether Michaell used this child well or not I will not say ; butt sure it is, that hee did not
putt him to schoole, and that when hee was growne up to bee a pretty bigge boy, hee broake several
neighbours' houses, and tooke onely meate; which, people that heard it, adjudged was done for want;
and at last hee was sent away, I know not whither. It is said, that Mary Groome, who now lives in
Myddle, sent him away, and cannot tell whether hee were ever heard of after ; and yett (not long agoe,)
there came a lusty man to the ale-house in Myddle; hee was in good habite, and lay there all night, and
pretended hee was this William Braine ; butt whether hee was or not, it was not knowne. I cannot say
that Michael Braine and his wife, or either of them, did deale unkindely with this boy, for Michaell
did allways beehave himselfe as an honest man; and was as peaceable a man amongst his neighbours
as any was in Myddle. This Michael Brame marryed Susan, the daughter of Roger Lloyd, of Myddle,
which soe displeased her father, that, allthough hee had but that onely child, yet he gave her nothing.
But att his death, shee haveing two daughters then borne, hee gave them 50/. a piece, which they
beestowed neare home, for John Eaton of Myddle, married one. The other married Francis, the
second son of Francis Cleaton, of Hollins. After the death of Roger Lloyd, this Michael Braine
had by his wife, Susan, two sons, Michael and Samuell, and a daughter, whose name, I think, was
Anne, who married one Robert Davis, of Hadnall. Hee was an honest and laboriouse person, and
•shee, beeing a fashionable, modest woman, they were likely to live well; butt hee dyed of the small
pox, about his middle age, and left one son, which was sett apprentice by the parish to William
Watson, of Myddle Wood. The widow afterwards married Richard Rogers, of Petton, and soone
after dyed. Michael, the eldest son of Michael Braine, displeased his father by marrying Jane,
a bastard of one who went abroad a spinning for neighbours, and was called |Black Nell. ' The
reputed Father of this Jane was Thomas Fardoe of Burleton. Hee fled to London, and there
beecame very rich. It was thought that hee was worth severall thousands of pounds, in houses and
timber, which hee had in his timber yard in Southewick. Butt hee broake, and was layed in prison, and
died poore. "Thrips vorat occultus maechorum res opulentas." This Michael, the son, dyed, and left
many small children beehinde him, of which the eldest was sett apprentice to one John Rogers, a
shoemaker, in Cockshut He soone packed up St. Hughe's boanes and ran his country. Afterward
hee was sett prentice to Thomas Highway, jun., of Myddle. Hee is not yet gone, but stands on
tippe-toes. Samuel, the younger son, married Mary, the daughter of Thomas Baugh, of Clive, and
now holds this tenement, and maintaines Susan, who is of great age. 1701.
John Eaton has a share in this peiw. The tenement that he lives in is the Earl of Bridgewater's;
and the famyly of the Gossages was formerly tenants of it. The last was John Gossage, a drunken,
debauched person. Hee marryed a widow, who was mother to Allen Challoner, the Smyth in Myddle.
Hee bedded with her one night; in the mommg hee curst her for a whoare, and turned her off, and
came neare her noe more. Hee was accused for uttering counterfeit money, and for keeping a tinker
in his back house, who made money. I have heard my father say, that there was a sort of sixpences
which they called Myddle sixpences, which seemed to bee good silver, and went for ciurent money.
The back house stood in the further side of the yard, neare to Myddle Parke, and when, for want of
H
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58 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
repaire, it fell down, some years past the ground was digged up to sow with beans, there was found
in the earth a copper pott, made in the shape of a large earthem cup; it had a straite handle att it,
of about a foot long, and was thought to have beene a melting pott It was much decayed with rust
This pott I saw. John Gossage was committed to prison : and, (as some have said,) by the assistance
of Edward Meriton, then goaler, acquitted. Hee sold his lease to Mr. Meriton, and conditioned
maintenance for his life. This Edward Meriton was a proper corpulent person, of a comely presence,
and well beeseemeing the place of a goaler. This Edward • Meriton for some while kept servants to
manage this tenement; but they were such as had beene acquitted of fellony, and were continued
in goale for non-payment of fees. When Owen, his son, was maryed, he came and lived in this tenement
in Myddle. Hee lived very high, and kept a packe of beagles. Hee had a son borne att Myddle, whose
name was Edward, and was goaler after him. After the death of old Edward Meriton, his son, Owen,
was made goaler, and then removed from Myddle to Shrewsbury, and sold the tytle of his lease to Mr.
Thomas Price, who is now owner of Webscott Hee first sett, and after sould it to Richard
Eaton, who was borne att Losforde, in Hodnett parish. This Richard Eaton was a drunken,
debauched person a great and intimate companion of Mr. Hall, of Balderton, a good benefactor to
the ale-sellers. This Eaton was somewhile Bayly of the manor of Myddle, but did not perform that
office soe faithfuDy as others had done before him. As often as hee went to Shrewsbury, hee would
bestow ale of John Gossage, whom hee called his lease, and would many tymes sit up drinkemg with him
all night; butt after some yeares, it happened that Richard Eaton was in Towne, and had beestowed
pretty store of ale upon Gossage, butt had occasion to goe home that night, and told Gossage soe; but
Gossage did not beelieve, but conceited hee told him this onely on purpose to shirke him oflf, and in that
drunken humour went and bought arsenicke, and poysened himselfe, and dyed beefore morning.
Richard Eaton did come home that night, and beefore hee was out of bedd next morning, a messenger
came and told him that John Gossage was dead, and hee must come to take care for his buriaU.
Thus Eaton's lease was ended, which was one of the last leases of the Earles of Derby in this manor,
att which time there were onely two more in beeing; viz., Wolph's lease, and the lease of Broomhurst
farme. Richard Eaton tooke a new lease of this tenement, and John Eaton, his son, succeeded him.
Hee married Alice, the daughter of Michael Braine, and is now tenant of it
Thomas Peirce, of Myddle, has a share in this Peiw. His tenement is one of those which is called a
halfe tenement, and is the land of the Earle of Bridgewater. The famyly of the Tylers were fbrmerley
tenants of it. The first that I read of was Thomas Tyler, whomarryed Margery, daughter of William
Braine, of Myddle; hee was a taylor by trade. Hee had ishue, Humphrey Tyler, who was likewise a
taylor, and marryed Margaret, a servant of Bayly Morgan. Humphrey had ishue, William Tyler, of
Myddle, who marryed Anne the daughter of Arthur Jewkes, of Newton. Hee had two sons — ^Thomas
(who marryed Margaret, daughter of John Formestone, of Marton,) and William Tyler, who was
a taylor, butt altogeather unseemely for such a calling, for hee was a bigg, tall, corpulent person, but
not soe bigg in body as bad in conditions. Hee was a greate comrade of John Gossage, of whom I
have spoaken before.
There was another William Tyler, in Balderton; and, therefore, for distinction sake, they called
this Don John, or Dun John, by which name hee was best knowne. Hee lived more by cheating than
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 59
by his trade. If any person was brought from Hadnall's Ease to bee burryed att Myddle, this Dun
John, (as soone as the corps was interred,) would enquire who payd the ringers; and, as if hee were a
ringer, would goe to him and hold out his hand, and if he gott the money; would strait goe away with
it; and if the ringers came to him for it hee would onely say, let Dun alone; let Dim alone; butt would
give them not a penny. It were endlesse to tell of tiie cheats hee used; butt hee could not cheate
Death, for hee dyed of a feaver att Allen Challoner's, the smith. When I was a schoole-boy, att Myddle
his distemper was soe violent, that in a rageing fitt hee leaped out of bedd in the night, and ran (in his
shirt) about the feilds, in a frost and snow; but soone after hee was brought backe to his beddc hee dyed.
After the death of Thomas Tyler, one Bartholomew Peirce came to bee tenant of this toiement, (but
whether hee manyed a daughter of Thomas Tyler for his first wife, I know not, and soe came to bee
tenant). Hee marryed Susan, daughter of Thomas Formeston, of Marton. Hee was a taylor by
trade, and was a crosse, troublesome, litigiouse person amopgsthis neighbours. His wife was as bad
in that behalf as hee was. Hee had three sons — Bartholomew, Thomas, and Nicholas. Hee gave to
Nicolas a lease of a cottage of the Earle of Bridgewater's, which is in Myddle Towneship, but lyes
neare Houlston, by the side of Houlston Lane. This is an antient cottage, and there was a fainyly
of the Jewkes who were tenants of it for many generaticHis. The last of them was Thomas Jewkes
who marryed Ellenor, the daughter of Richard Hussey, of Balderton, and had ishue by her, Roger
Jewkes, (who was never marryed) and two daughters. The eldest was marryed imto Roger Rodon, of
Peplow, in the Parish of Hodnett; the other daughter was marryed to William Formston, weaver,
third son of Thomas Formeston, of Marton. This William Formeston purchased Thomas Ashe's
lease of this tenement in Marton, and sold his lease of this cottage to his brother-in-law, Bartholomew
Peirce, who gave itt to his son, Nicolas who marryed Mary, a servant of one Henry Cooke, of
Balderton. Thomas, the second son, manyed Jane, the daughter of Rowland Plungin, of Sleap
Hall, and is now tenant of this tenement Bartholomew, the eldest son, was butt a lyttle man, butt
hee was a quarrelsome, fighting fellow, and would fight the tallest man that was.
** A cane non magno ssepe tenetur aper."
This Batt Peirce listed himselfe a soldier in the Protector's service, in the dose of the wars, and
was sent over into Flanders in one of those regiments which the Protector lent to the French
King, to assist him against the King of Spain; a relation of which service I had from one that was a
soldier dureing the whoale expedition, and is as followeth:— Hee said,
It was articled, that the Protector should lend the French King some regiments, which were to bee
conunanded by the French generall. 2ndlyrthat King Charles the Second and the Duke ofYork should
bee sent out of France. 3rdly, that when Mardike was taken, it should bee delivered into the hands of
the French King; and that when Dunkirke was taken, it should bee delivered into the hands of the
English. Hee complained that they were hardly used by the French, for when the army marched, the
English came in the reare, and all' the meate and drinke was gone before they came; butt when they
went to fight, the English were commanded to march in the fore-front of the Army. When Mardike
was taken, a French Garrison was put in it, and the Army marched to Dunkirke, and layd seige to it,
and our English Navy blocked it up by sea, soe that it could not hold out, unlesse relieved. The king
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6o ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
of Spaine gathered all the forces hee could to relieve Dunkirke, and came downe in person, with a vasFt
Army toward Dunkirke. Onr late king, James, then Duke of Yorke, was then genera 11 of the Spanish
Army. The English and French came to meet the Spaniards where they might have a convenient place for
a pitched batle. The Spaniards placed themselves in Batalia, upon a hill, or rising ground. The
King of Spaine and the Duke of Yorke stood upon an high hill to veiw. The French army came
up towards the Spaniards, att which tyme (it was said,) that the Duke of Yorke told the King, your
Majesty has lost the batle. Hee asked, why ; and the duke answered, I see the English coulers in the
front and in the rear, and the French in the myddle, and the English will force the French to fight, or
else kill them. The English soldiers went very swiftly up the hill, and when they came neare, they onely
gave one volley of shott, and running forward, fell violently upon the Spaniards with the butt end of
theire musquetts. (This is the first that ever I heard of clubbing their musquetts.) The Spaniards
shrunke backe immediately, and the King said, hee wondered why his men fled, and noe guns went off.
When the French saw the Spaniards fly, they pursued furyously upon them, and, without mercy,
destroyed them, soe that the Army was utterly rowted. After this victory, the Governor of Dunkirke
desyred a parley, which was granted: and therein it was agreed, that the Spaniards should march
out upon a sett day. The English Generall knowing that the towne was to bee delivered to the
English, and alsoe knowing the perfidiousnesse of the French,' caused all the English to bee lodged
Imder the walls of Dunkirk the night beefore the Spanish soldiers were to march out, and in the
morning, as the Spaniards marched out on one side of the way, the English marched in on the
other; soe that by what time the Spanish soldiers were gon out, the English were all come
in, and were all kept in a body, in Batalia. The French came in after, and beegan to pillage; but
the English Generall comanded to forbeare, and sent word to the French generall, who, in peremptory
termes, said hee was to command, and not to obey, and therefore commanded the EngHsh to disperse ;
butt the English Generall sett upon the Frenchmen beefore they were all come into the Towne, or could
gett togeather, and drove them all out of the Towne and shutt the gates, and sent to the English navy
for assistance, which was presently sent him. The French went off from the walls, and layd incamped
where the seige lay beefore ; and, after sometime, were called away. Thus fer the relation.
But I had a further relation of this niatter by Dr. Clodius, who said, that when the Generall of the
English forces at Dunkirk had certyfyed the Protector of the Frenchmen's demeanor, and how they
lay before Dunkirk in manner of a seige, the Protector, with his owne hands, wroate a letter to the
French King, the first words whereof was. Thou perfidiouse wretch ! and then reckoned up the kind-
nesses which hee had done for the French King in assistmg him against the Dutch and the Spaniards.
Hee afterwards, like Rabsheka, boasts of his owne achievments ; how hee had conquered two Kings,
and subdued three nations, and att last threatens him that if hee did not speedyly recall his forces
from beefore Dunkirk, that hee would send such an Army into France, as should drive him out of his
kingdom. Upon receipt of this letter, the French forces were recalled.
But now to retume to Batt. Peirce. Hee was a Garison soldier at Dunkirke; and when
Dunkirk was sold, hee came with the rest into England, and was disbanded, and came downe to
Myddle; and soone after, by the assistance of his cozen, Thomas Formeston, then servant to
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 6i
Roger Kinaston, of Hordley, Esq., hee was preferred in service to Mr. Mytton, of Hallston, who had
married the daughter of Mr. Kinaston. But this Batt. Peirce was grown such a sad drunken
fellow, and soe accustomed to fighting, that his master, not able to indure his rudenesse, cashiered
him ; whereupon, hee returned to London, and was listed a soldier in the Tower, and afterwards,
when a certaine number of soldiers were picked out of every regiment, to bee sent for garison soldiers
att Tangeires, this Batt Peirce was one that was sent thither, where, (beeing expert in arms,) hee was
first made an officer, and afterwards a captaine, and there hee dyed.
The Ninth Peiw on the North Side of the North Isle,
This was a supernumerary peiw; for beefore the uniformeing of the church with wainscott seates,
there was but eight seats on this side the north isle, soe that this was a voyd seate; and then those
that lived in the Meare House, and Clarke of Haremeare Heath, and those that lived in a cottage in
Myddle (which beelongs to the Castle Farme) wherein the widow Russell now dwelleth, — these persons,
I say (although none of them payes any church leawan but Clark, which is but 2d.), gott mto this
seate, and have ever since used it; and now, (happly,) they plead prescription.
The Meare House, at Haremeare, did stand over crosse the brooke that issueth out of Haremeare;
butt when the Meare was lett dry, the house was removed, and sett by the side of the brooke, and one
Spurstow dwelt in it, and was imployed by Sir Andrew Corbett to looke to the Heyment of Hare-
meare, and to tend the catell that were in it, for when it was let dry, there were catell putt in it as a
lay; and after, as it beecame dry and sound, it was divided into severall peices. After Spurstow, one
Reece Wenlocke dwelt in it. He was descended of good parentage, who were tenants of a good
farme, called Whottall, in Eleesmeare Lordshipp. Butt the father of this Reece was a bad husband,
and a pilfering, thievish person, and this son, Reece, and another son, named John, who lived at
Bald Meadow, in this parish, were as bad as theire father. They never stole any considerable goods,
but were night walkers, and robbed oarchyards and gardens, and stole hay out of meadows, and come
when it was cutt in the feilds, and any small things that persons by carelessnesse had left out of
doors. Reece had a cow, which was stolen away, and it is reported that hee went to a woman,
whom they called the wise woman of Montgomery, to know what was beecome of his cow; and as hee
went, hee putt a stone in his pockett, and tould a neighbour of his that was with him that he would
know whether she were a wise woman or not, and whether she knew that hee had a stone in his pockett.
And it is sayd, that when hee came to her, shee sayd, thou hast a stone in thy pockett, but itt is not soe
bigge as that stone wherewith thou didst knocke out such a neighbour's harrow tines. Butt the greatest
diskindenesse that hee did to his neighbours was, by tearmg theire hedges. And it is reported, that
hee had made a new oven ; and, according to the manner of such things, it was att first to bee well burnt,
to make it fitt for use, and this hee intended to doe in the night Att that time William Higginson
dwelt att Webscott, and hee had a servant, named Richard Mercer, a very waggish fellow. This Mercer
did imagine that Reece would teare his master's hedges to bume the oven; and as hee walked by a
hedge, which was neare Reece's house, hee saw there a great dry sticke of wood, and tooke it home
with him, and bored a hoale in the end of it with an augur, and putt a good quantyty of powder in
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62 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
it, and a pegge after it, and putt it againe into the hedge. And it happened, that Reece Wenlocke,
among other hedge-wood, tooke this stick to bume in his oven; and when hee cast[it into the fire in
the oven, it blowed up the topp of it, and sett fire on the end of the house. Reece went out and made
ahideouse crying, fyrel fyre! William Higginson, beeing the next neighbour, heard him, and called
Mercer, butt hee sayd I know what is the matter; however, they went both downe to the Meare
House, but Reece had putt out the fyre that was in the end of the house, and the oven was broaken
to peices. After Reece Wenlocke, one William Suker was tenant there* many yeares, and after him,
George Yeomans was tenant ; and now John Harris, jun. is tenant of it. (It is now, 1706, pulled
downe.)
Richard Clarke, of Newton, useth to sitt in this peiw. His tenement beelongs to Mr. Thomas
Gittins, vicar of Loppington. The first of the Clarkes that came into this parish, was Walter Clarke,
who came from Hadley, neare Oaken Gates, in this coimty. Hee dwelt in a lytle cottage on Hare-
meare Hill, and had a lytle incroachment to it. Hee was a day labourer. His wife's name was
Anne, by whom hee had two sons, Morgan and John. This John was an innocent and went a b^ging
in the parish. Morgan was a weaver. Hee built an house upon a butt's end of Mr. Gittin's land in
Newton feild, and had onely a garden and hemp butt beelonging to it flee left the cottage; and
when Robert Moore tooke a lease of the Eagle Farme, in Myddle, hee putt this cottage and incroach-
ment in his terriour, and soe had a lease of it, and putt one Thomas Davis, a weaver, eldest son of
Thomas Davis, of Marton, weaver, to dwell in it; and afterward Mr. Gittins had it, by exchange
for lands in Myddle Feild, near Draken Hill. The cottage is some yeares agoe puDed downe. Moigan
Clarke marryed a wife, whose name was Cybell, and had issue by her, Thomas and Richard. This
Richard marryed Anne, the daughter of Allen Chaloner^ of Myddle, cooper, and built an house upon
Myddle Wood, of which I shall have occasion to speake hcareafter. Thomas maryed Mauld, a Welsh
woman, servant to Mr. Kinaston, Rector of Myddle, and had by her two sons, Francis and Morgan,
and a daughter named Joane. This Thomas Clarke tooke more land of Mr. Gittins, and joined it '
to his cottage, and made it a small tenement of about Sox. per annum. His daughter, Joane, was
marryed to Charles, the eldest son of John Reve, of Fennimeare, and lived in a cottage on Myddle
Wood. Morgan, his youngest son, was a blacksmith, and lived in the nearer part of Mountgomeiy-
shire. Hee has two sons, now liveing, lusty young men; Francis, the eldest Son, marryed Elizabeth
Kyffin, descended of a good, butt a decaying family in Wales. There were three Hall houses in
Sweeney, and her brother was owner of one of them; butt it is long since sold. Francis had but litle
portion with her butt a sad drunken woman. Hee went to fetch her from the ale-house in a very darke
night, but shee, beeing unwilling to come, pretended it was soe darke that shee could not see to goe;
hee told her hee would lead her by the arme, and gott her away almost halfe way home, and then shee
pretended shee had lost one of her shoes ; and when hee had loosed her arme, and was groaping for
the shoe, shee ran backe to the ale-house, and boulted him out, and would not come home that night.
He had one son by her, named Richard, who is tenant of this tenement, and two daughters. One is
marryed to Luke Roe, who came from Welsh Hampton; the other is marryed to John Primus, alias
Davis. I know not whence hee came, but now lives in a cottage on Haremeard Heath.
Widow Russeirs cottage. This is the Earle of Bridgewater's land, and is in lease to William Gittins,
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 63
as part of the Castle Farme.- One John Hall, alias Dudleston, was formerly tenant of this cottage in
Myddle. Hee was a weaver, and a common fidler, who went abroad to wakes and merriments, butt
tooke care to spend what hee had gott beefore hee came home.
In his owne brest, he thought it heSt,
His money to inclose ;
Then wist hee well, whatever befell,
He could it never lose. Sir Tko : More cU Ebrioso.
This John Dudleston had a wife, whose name was Elizabeth, and by her hee had two daughters,
Elizabeth and Martha. The eldest marryed John Bennion, who dyed in the wars, and shee dyed
soone after him. Martha was marryed to a man that they called Wfelch Franke. Hee could speake
neither good Welsh nor good English. When hee came first out of Wales, hee lived as a plow-boy
with William Geslin, or Goslin, of Myddle, and people called him Franke Goslin; but when hee was
marryed hee was called in the Court, and when the Steward asked him his name, hee said Franke.
And what else? says the Steward. Hee sayd, Francis. Then the Steward asked him his father's
name, and hee sayd it was David; soe hee gott the name of Francis Davis. Hee had one daughter,
named Mary, who, aiter her father and mother were dead, was marryed to one Robert Pitchford, of
Preston Brockhurst, who soone spent that lytle that shee had, and they then went both togeather
to London, where hee dyed, and I have heard that shee maintained herselfe very well by her owne
labour.
John Huet succeeded Pitchford. His grandfather was John Huett, and came out of Wirrall, in
Cheshyre, and dwelt with Mr. Manwaring, of Sleape Hall. Hee was marryed there, and Mr. Manwaring
built a house for him by the side of Sleape Hall Lane, which is now puDed downe. There is onely
some appearance of the garden place or yard. This John Huett, the first, had three sons; Robert,
who was a blacksmith, John the second who was a blacksmith, and Richard, a husbandman. (Shee
that is now wife of William Fosbrooke, of Salop, is daughter to this Richard.) John the second
had ishue, John, the third, a blacksmith. • Hee lived in this cottage, and marryed Margaret, daughtci
of John Tydor, of Sleape, and had ishue by her, John, the foiuth, who is alsoe a blacksmith, and
marryed Elizabeth, the daughter of Thomas Lovett, and lives in Myddle, in the house over against
the Parson's bame. His father lives with him; and the widow of Solomon Russell lives in this
cottage.
SEATS IN MYDDLE CHURCH ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE NORTH ISLE.
The first peiw belongs whoaly to Shotton Farme. This farme did antiently belong to the Kinastons,
of Leightaches. I doe not finde that the Kinastons came over into England with the Conqueror, and
therefore it is possible that this farme did belong to the Kinastons before. It is thought that
Smethcott did formerly belong to this farme, and that these two made one manor; and that therefore
Smethcott was called Shotton Smethcott, for soe I finde it written. This fiarme, of Shotton, was given
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64 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
in marriage unto Banaster, of Hadnall, Esq., with a daughter of one of the Kinastons|; but shee dyeing
without ishue, it reverted to the family of the Kinastons. Wee have a tradition, that one Bishop
Rowland was sometime tenant of this farme; that hee was a Lord Marcher, and that the place of
Execution was on the bank beetweeneShotton and Smethcott, which I have sometimes, (though seldome)
heard called the Gallow-tree banke. I have shewed beefore what the power of the Lords Marchers
was. Pag : i8 and 19.*
Hugh Ridley was sometime a tenant of this farme, he was a rich farmer. He marryed a daughter
(perhaps his onely daughter) to Mr. Russell, of Sandsaw, a person of a good family, and a great estate.
I have seene the settlement that was made att this marriage. It was written in old court hand, on a
piece of parchment noe bigger than a quarter of a sheet of paper, and yet had comprehensive and
significant words sufficient to make it a good deed. The name Hugh, was written Hue. Afterward,
this farme was given to a yoimger Brother of the Kynastons for his portion. I thinke his name was
Francis. Hee lived at Shotton, and had ishue, Roger Kynaston, who had a son named Thomas.
This Roger and Thomas, (if I mistake not,) sold this farme to Mr. William Watkins, son of Mr.
Humphreys Watkins, of Whixall. This William Watkins was a person well educated, and fitt for
greater employment than that of a husbandman. Hee was once under Shreive of this County :
but his cheife delight was in good husbandry, which is, indeed, a delightfuU calling.
"Tempus in agrorum cultu consumere dulce est." — Omd,
" O fortunatos nimium bona si sua norint-
Agricolas." Virgil. 2 lib: Georg*.
Hee found this farme much overgrowne with thomes, briars, and rubish. Hee imployd many day
labourers, (to whom he was a good benefactor,) in cleareing and ridding his land; and having the
benefitt of good marie, he much improved his land, built part of the dwelling house, and joined a
brewhouse to it, which hee built of free stone. Hee built most part of the bames, and made beast
houses of free stone, which is a good substantial piece of building. Hee was a cheerefull, merry
gentleman, and kept a plentifull table for his own family, and strangers, which brings to my minde
that of Chaucer in his Francline's Tale.
*' His table dormant in his hall allway
Stood ready covered all the live long day ;
Without baked meats was never his house,
Offish, and flesh, and that so plenteous."
His wife's mayden name was Lee, a provident and prudent gentlewoman, and a very good house-
keeper, and in all things very suitable for such a husband. Hee had ishue by her four sons, Francis,
George, Richard, and Thomas, and four daughters, Jane, Susan, Elizabeth, and Christabell. This
Christabell was an exchange woman, as they call them in London. I have not heard that shee was
marryed. Elizabeth went to London, and marryed one Poole. Shee survived all the rest of her sisters
and brothers. Susan marryed one Manning, of Great Berwicke, and Jane marryed one Poole, a draper
♦ Pages 26 and 27.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 65
of Welsh doth, in Shrewsbury. Thomas, the youngest son, was a distiller of stronge waters in
London. Hee was a rich man, and never married. Hee growd into a mellancolly distemper, and
dyed. Richard was a goldsmith in London ; (I bought Mrs. Mary Corbett's wedding ring of him.)
Hee had one daughter which I knew. Shee was a modest, comly gentlewoman, and was housekeeper
to her uncle, Thomas. George was a tradesman in London, butt I know nothing else of him, for I
never saw him since I was his schoole-fellow. Mr. Francis Watkins marryed Mrs. Mary Teague. of
the parish of Pontesbury. The banns of matrimony were published beetween them by Mr.
Richardson, then rector of Myddle. This I note, because now-a-days the proud foolish Girles, though
they have not money enough to pay for a license, yet will scome that antient and comendable way
of beeing asked in church. "Quantum distamur ab illis." This Mr. Francis Watkins was a Captaine
in the warrs, and was on the Parliament party ; but I never heard of any company of soldiers that
hee hadj or any service that hee did in the warres, for there were severall Gentlemen in our
neighboiurhood that were forced to fly from theire houses in the warres, and to shelter themselves
in Garrisons ; and beecause they could have butt litle benefit from theire lands towards maintaining
them, therefore they had comissions to bee captaines, to the end they might receive a captain's pay
to maintaine them. Of this number was Captaine Whitcomb of Hardwicke, Captaine Richardson
of Broughton, Captaine Rea, of Wicherley, Captaine Swanwicke, and others, flowbeit, Captaine
Whitcomb had a company att last turned over to him, upon the death of a captaine of the
Parliament party, and this Captaine Whitcomb was comanded over into Anglesea, where, in the close
of the warrs, many of the King's forces were gathered together and kept in a body. In tjiis
expedition, (it is reported,) that Captaine Whitcomb, (his soldiers beeing old experienced soldiers,)
did good service for the Parliament. But to retume to Mr. Watkins : —
Mr. Francis Watkins was married after the warrs in England, Hee was heire to his father's lands,
and alsoe to his art of good husbandry, in which his care, diligence, and skill, was not exceeded by
any in this County. Hee marled sevrall peices, and gott abundance of come. Hee purchased lands
in Tylley Parke, and certainely, if hee had lived, hee had beene an exceeding rich man. His wife
was provident and spareing, even to a fault; and, therefore, he could not keep soe good a house as
his fath^ did, which was noe small trouble to him. Hee dyed and left 5 small children beehinde
him; viz. 3 sons and 2 daughters. His widow afterwards married with Mr. Charles Dimock, a
younger brother of that antient family, of the Dimocks of Willeton. Hee had noe knowledge in hus-
bandry, and his whoale delight was in drinking, (not as some drunkards plead, for company's sake,
but) for the sake of drinke. Hee lived but few yeares with her before hee dyed. Shee had noe child
by him, and shee gott nothing, but rather lost by this marriage. She marryed a third husband, his
name was John Cotton, an ancient bachelor. He was son and heire of Richard Cotton, of Haston.
She gott well by this marriage, which was helpful to her children. She had noe child by him, and hee
dyed before her. Shee was much to bee comended for giveing her children good education, and putt
every one of them in a good condition to live. Mary, the youngest daughter, was married to Mr.
Roe, of Preece. He was a fayre and good-humoured man. He dyed and left her a widow, and
now shee is married again, but I know not what his name is. Elizabeth, the eldest, was marryed to
I
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66 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Johnjoyce, who lives att the lodge in Kenwicke Parke. John, the youngest son, was sett apprentice
to a groser or merchant in BristoU, and was sett up but broake; and, after receiving a small supply
from his mother, he sett up att Wolverhampton, and there marryed, and after grew meUancoUy and
dyed. Francis the second son, was a groser in Shrewsbury, and was sett up in a good condition.
He married a daughter of Mr. Collins Woolrich, an Apothecary, and one of the senior Aldermen of
Shrewsbury, and had a good fortune with her; butt hee, (trusting out goods too rashly) broake.
William, the eldest son, was putt a covenanted servant unto Mr. John Edwards, on^ of the ablest
attorneys att Law in this County. Att expiration of his terme, he marryed Elizabeth, eldest daughter
of Mr. John Edwards.
This Mr. William Watkins is now (1701) owner of this farme, and very happy in that it hath pleased
God to give him such skill, care, and industry in good husbandry as his grand-father and father had,
lor hee is not inferiour to eyther of them therein. Hee is alsoe happy in a prudent, provident and
discreet wife who is every way suitable for such an husband. They live very loveingly togeather,
very loveing to their neighbours, and very well beloved by theire neighbours, and they are both happy
in that itt hath pleased God in toaken of his love to them, and theire mutuall love one to anotherto
blesse them with many comely and witty children.
Omne feret tempus Ck>dios, non omne Catoaes.
Pujcheirima hsec laus est O! vimm doctam; Bed ilia melior O ! virum sapientem^ at ilia optima O I virum bonum —
Crede mihi Res est, vir, pretiosa, bonus.
Tke Second Seafe on the South side of the North Isle.
This Peiw beelongs to the Eagle Farme. It is the lands erf the Earle of Bridgewater, and Thomas
More is now tenant of it. The leawan is is, 4//. John More, father of this Thomas, knew not where
hee had any seat in Chorch. The reason was this: Robert More was tenant of this farme beefore
John More, and hee was farmer of the tythes, and brother to Mr. More, the Rector, and lived in
the Parsonage house, and sate in the Rector's seate in the Chancell, and soe the seate beelongiog to
this farme was lost; and, therefore, att a Parish meeting, February 9th, 1658, John More was seated
in this peiw, which is the passage peiw, butt because there were many things ordered att that meet-
ing, I will recite the order whoally when I come to the next seat, and in the mean tyme speake of the
tenants of the Eagle Farme. One Richard Gittins, a wealthy tradesman's son in Shrewsbury, had
a lease of this farme, and lived in it. His son, Richard Gittins, marryed Anne, the daughter and
kinswoman of Morgan ap Probert, comonly called Bayly Morgan; and soe this Richard Gittins the
second, came to bee tenant to the Castle Farme in Myddle, and after the death of his father he sett
this Eagle Farme to Thomas Jukes, who was borne in a cottage by the side of Houlston Lane, of
which cottage and family I spoake when I mentioned the femily of the Pierces, of Myddle.
Thomas Jukes* married a wife, whose name was Lowry, of the Parish of lianguedwin, shee was a
* This Thomas Jukes kept an Inne, and putt upthesigne of The Eagle and Child ; and by that meanes it came to
bee called the Eagle Fanne.
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handsome woman but he might have had one as honest nearer home.
Nulla fides Veneri, Levis est, interque planetas
Ponitur, haud inter sidera fixa, venus.
Thomas Jukes had three sons, and never a good one, Thomas, the youngest, did use to break
his neighbor's houses, but had the fortune to be catched before he had done any mischeife. At last,
his father, in some drunken humor, sett him apprentice to a Jugler, a very hopeful employment
Hee onely gave with him an old pettycoate of his wife's, which was given to the Jugler's wife. The
second son, Richard, was a companion of John Owen, of Myddle, who was one of the falsest theives
in this country, I knew this Richard Jukes lye in Shrewsbury goale for stealeing horses; hee was
discharged, and went for a soldier. Vincent, the eldest son, was an active, nimble man; hee went
to be a seaman, and was taken prisoner by the Turks, of Tangiers, and another Englishman, his
companion. These two, after some time, changed theire religion (if they had any before), and
beecame Tiurks, and soe gott more favour and liberty than other slaves. After some time, these two
were sent a roveing in a small vessell, and onely eight Turks in theire company; and these two, watch-
ing an opportunyty, when the Turks were all under deck, shut downe the hatches, and kept them
there, and hoisted up saile for England ; and meeting with some English merchants, they gott releife
and soe brought the litle vessell to England, and put the Turks on shoare, and sold the vessell.
Vincent Juckes bought a new sute of cloaths, and a good horse, and came downe to Myddle, and
was there att what time they were singing ballads abroad in Markett townes of this adventure. Hee
went after to sea again, and was heard of noe more. When the lease, made to the Gittinses, (of this
farme) was expired, Robert More, by the assistance of his brother, the Rector, gott a lease of this
tenement. This Robert More was a buissey pers5h in rayseing forces for the King in the beginning
of the warrs. There was a comission granted by the King to severall persons to raise what forces
they could for his service. It was called the Comission of Array. Sir Paul Harris, of Boreatton,
was a Comissioner. Hee was a person not well beloved by the antient gentry of this County, for
beeing, (as they termed him,) but abucke of the second head; yet, beeinga Barronett, and a proud
imperiouse person, hee tooke place of those that were of antient Knight's degree. Neyther was hee
beloved by the comon people. His onely favorites and confidants were this Robert More, and
Mathew Bagley, of Bagley; and these two'were accompted the veriest knaves in Pimhill hundred
Sir Paul Harris sent out warrants requiring or comanding all men, both housholders with theire sons,
and servants, and sojourners, and others within the Hundred of Pimhill that were beetween the age
of 16 and three score to appeare on a certaine day upon Myddle Hill. I was then a youth of
about 8 or 9 yeares of age, and I went to see this great show. And there I saw a multitude of men,
and upon the highest banke of the hill I saw this Robert More standing, with a paper in his hand,
and three or foure soldier's pikes, stickd upright in the ground by him; and there hee made a procla-
mation, that if any person would serve the King, as a soldier in the wars, hee should have 14 groats
a weeke for his pay. About that time, Sir William Breton, of Brereton in Chesheire, being a mem-
ber of Parliament, was sent downe into Chesheire to raise forces for the Parliament. Hee placed a
garrison in Nantwich, and having intelligence given him that this More and some others were
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68 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
buissey in raiseing forces for the King, there came a party of horse and apprehended Robert More,
and brought him to Nantwich, where hee soone after dyed a prisoner; on whom a person in this
parish made this micharitable epytaph, which shewed more spleene than schollership.
Robertus jaoet hiC| positus sub pulvere puro,
An sit salvandus ego nesdo. nee ego cuio.
Lo I here lyes Robin, but not Robin Whood ;
But Robin the Divill, that never did good.
Hee left beehinde him two sons, Thomas and Robert, and one daughter named Sarah. His widow
and children lived some time in this farme, and after sould the reversion of the lease to one John
More, who was nothing kin to them, butt was a stranger, and came to Shrewsbury in the warr tyme,
and there marryed a sister of Mr. Richard Taylor, an Alderman of great accompt in Shrewsbury.
This John More kept an inne in Myddle, and sett up the Earle of Bridgewater's Armcs for his
signe. His wife was a discreet, well-bred woman, and the inne was in greate repute in theire time.
They dyed both att Myddle, and left beehinde, a son, Thomas, and two daughters, Judith and Sarah.
This Sarah was marryed to Thomas Tomkins, and lives in Fenimeare. Judith was first married
to Robert Merriton, of Shrewsbury, and kept an inne there of great custome. After his death, shee
was married to one Courtney, and went with him to London.
Thomas, the son, married Mary, the daughter of Samuell Formeston, of Brandwood. The early
both yet (xyoi) living, and have 2 daughters. The widow of Robert More removed with her
children into Yorkesheire, and thus that famyly «f the Mores ended in this Parish.
A nemine bene&ctis amicorum, malefactis Inimicorum superatus.— Plutarch (U Sylla,
The Third Peiw on the South Ude of the North Isle.
These two peiwes, which I have spoaken of last beefore, were whoally taken up by the pulpitt and
reading pew, when the pulpitt stood up to that arch where the table of benefactors hangs, and then
this peiw and that which is betweene it and the south isle were the passage peiwes, and any person
that would, did sit in them. My father, who was thick of heareing, did constantly sit in the seat that
I am now speakeing of. Butt after, when the pulpitt and reading peiw were removed, then the peiw
next above this was made the passage, and that att the end of it
About that time there happened a difference beetweene John Downton, of Alderton, and William
Formeston, about the right of kneeling in the sixth peiw on the south side of the north isle, and John
Downton putt a locke on the pew doore, butt William Formestone, at Marton, who claimed a share
in that seate, came on the Lord's day following, and giveing the peiw doore a suddaine plucke,
broake off the locke. Upon this there was a parish meeting appointed (for then there were noe
Ecclesiasticall courts held in England) to decide this controversy, and to settle persons in vacant
seats; for it was held a thing imseemly and undecent that a company of young boyes, and of persons
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 69
that paid noe leawans, should sitt (in those peiws which had beene the passage) above those of the
best of the parish.
THE ORDERS MADE ATT THE PARISH MEETING.
I. Know all men whom it may conceme; that on the 7 th day of February, 1658, the Minister,
Churchwardens, and a considerable part of the parish of Myddle, beeing mett togeather, for the set-
tling of several! inhabitants within the said parish in vacant seates, have ordered and appointed John
More of Myddle, for his tenement there, and Thomas Mather for his liveing in Balderton, to enter
into and take possession of the seate beneath Captaine Watkins' seate, usually called the passage
seate, provided that on sacrament dayes the passage bee allowed to the Comunion table — ^Thomas
Mather to content himselfe with one kneeling in the same seate.
II. It was ordered att the same meeting that Mr. Gittins, for his farme in Myddle, shall enter into
and take possession of the other seate towards the south isle, usually knowne by the passage seate,
provided likewise that the passage bee allowed to the comunion table.
III. It was ordered att the same meeting that Mr. Hall, for his liveing in Newton, Mr. Atcherley,
for his owne freehold in Marton, John Downton for his liveing in Alderton, and Richard Jukes, for
his liveing in Newton, shall enter and take possession of the third seate in the north isle over
against the pulpit.
IV. It was ordered at the same meeting, that Richard Groome, for his liveing in Marton, George
Reve, for his liveing at Billmarsh, Richard Nightingale, for his liveing in Myddle, and Samuell
Formeston, for Mr. Edward's liveing, shall enter and take possession of the second seat in the south
isle over against the pulpitt. . '
V. It was ordered at the same meeting, that John Downton, for his liveing in Alderton, Mr. Hall,
for his liveing in Newton, Richard Groome for his liveing in Marton, and William Formeston for his
liveing in Marton, shall bee confirmed in the sixth seate from the Chancell on the north side; one
halfe of the said seate to beelong to John Downton; a fourth of the said seate to Mr. Hall — and a
severall kneeling to Richard Groome and William Formeston,
Joshua Richardson, Thomas Atcherley,
John Downton, ) churchwardens. J^^^ ^ore.
Richard Groome, ) Thomas Hall.
Francis Watkins. Thomas Mather.
Richard Gittins. Richard Jukes.
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70 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THESE ORDERS.
I. These orders were written in the Parish booke of accompts and the leafe was tome out, which
leafe I have att last gott the custody of and doe intend to leave it in this booke to be kept in the
Parish Chest. — It is said that two leaves were tome out of the booke, and I did for some time beleive
it, but now I beleive I was mistaken, for when I first saw this leafe, there was another paper with it
which I supposed to have beene another leafe, but I since finde that it was a coppy of this leafe,
and noe hand att it, but Mr. Richardson's, and I have not heard nor can I imagine what was written
in the other leafe, (if any such were,) that is of any conceme for the Parish.
II: As to the first order, I finde that Mr. Mather was to have a kneeling with John More, but I
never remember either Mr. Mather or any child, servant, or tenant of his make use of this kneeling,
and therefore I beleive hee can make noe claime to it by this order.
III. As concerning the second and fourth order, I remember that Robert Ames and Isaac Cleaton,
beeing churchwardens, soone after the makeing of these orders did cause that peiw which was
appointed to Mr. Gittins by the second order, to bee pulled downe, and put the Parish Chest there,
which was some years since removed to the lower end of the church, and Mr. Heath, for Broome-
hurst farme, erected a seat there by order firom the Eclesiasticall Court and consent of some of the
parish; but if I had knowne at that time of this order whereby it was appointed for Mr. Gittins, I
had not consented, but the leafe of orders was not then in my custody. When the wardens had
pulled down the seate appointed to Mr. Gittins then Mr. Gittins entered on the seat mentioned in
the foiuth order and his family useth it to this day and this is all the tytle they have to claime. But
I never remember any of the persons named in the 4th order sit in this seate.
IV. I observe by these orders that it was intended that every person named therein should have a
seate or kneeling in such order as they were named, and therefore they did not name the best man
first, but the person that was to have the chiefe kneeling was first named and therefore in the first
order John More was named beefore Mr. Mather, because John More was to have the cheife seate,
and in the fift order John Downton was named beefore Mr. Hall for the same reason.
And now to retume to the 3rd peiw on the south side of the north isle, which by the 3rd order
was setled and appointed to Mr. Hall, Thomas Atcherley, John Downton,'and Richard Jukes. Of
these familyes, I have spoaken of two of them abready — of the other two I intend to speake when I
come to theire antient seates, but it will bee necessary that I shew what title I have to a share in this
seate, and therefore I say that I have as good a title as any man in Myddle has to any seate both by
prescription and by this order. As for prescription, it is knowne that my father from the lime of the
uniformeing of the Chiurch with wainescott peiws, and which is about 62 yeares past, before this
yeare 1701, did usually sit in this seate — after his time I did sit in it usually before I purchased any
of these messuages to which this seat was granted by the 3rd order — and as to my title by the order,
I doe say that Mr. Hall had two messuages in Newton; I bought one of them and most part of the
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 71
lands belonging to both — and soe I may claime a share by order. Afterward I purchased Jukeses
messuage and lands whoaly, and though I sold the house, and some of the ground to Edward Gar-
land, yet I reserved the priviledge in this seate whoaly to myselfe as appeares by the wiytings made
beetween mee and Edward Garland.
Ecdesiis portis his quataor itur in omnes,
Prindpis et Simonis, sanguims atqae Dei
Prima patet magnis, nammatis altera, charis
Tertia, sed raris janua quarta patet.
The Fourth Paw en the South side of the North Isle.
This peiw belongs to Richard Groom's tenement in Marton, this leawan is 2j. 8rf. — ^to Mr. Mather's
tenement in Balderton, the leawan is 2x. od. — to Bilhnarsh farme the leawan is ix. 4//., and to Mr.
Hayward's land in Newtown whose leawan is i j. I know not who ought to have the cheife seat in
this peiw, for I have seene Richard Groome's Mother-in-law, and after her decease, his wife, sit upper-
most in this seate — I have seene Mr. Mather doe the like — I have seene Mrs. Alice Hayward sit
uppermost in their seate, and I have seene widow Reve of Billmarsh doe the like. Butt I have
placed theire names here (but not in the platforme of the seates) according to theire leawans, and, in
that order will speake of theire familys and predecessors.
Richard Groome's taiement or farme in Marton, is the lands of the Earle of Bridgewater; it was
formerly held by the family of the Elkses, the last of which family (if I mistake not his name) was
Hugh Elks, but whateva: his name was, hee was an ill man — ^for hee, knowing that a neighboiur of his
who lived in Eyton had a considerable siun of money in the house, this Elks and some other of his
companions came to Eyton on the Lords day att time of morning service, and, haveing visors on
theire ^ces, they came into the house and found theie onely one servant maid who was makeing of
a cheese, and this Elks stooping downe to binde her shee saw imder his visor, and said, ''Good uncle
EUcs, do mee noe harme," and upon that hee pulled out his knife and cutt her throat. His com-
panions beeing terrifyed at the act fled away to Baschurch Church, and Elkes seeing his companions
were gonfled likewise and tooke noe money, and for haste shut the doore after him and left his dogge
in the house, and came to Marton, but stayd not there, but ran to Petton to Church whither hee
came sweating exceedingly a litle before the end of service. "Qui crimen gestat in pectore, idem
nemesin in tergo gestare solet"
When people came from Church to Eyton, they found the girl dead, and Elks his dogge in the
house almost bursted with eating the cheese. They followed the dogge, who brought them to Elks
his house, and upon this. Elks was apprehended on suspicion. The next day the Coroner siunmoned
his inquest, and EUcs stifly denyed the fact, alledging that hee was at Petton Church that morning;
but a servant maid of John Ralphe's of Marton witnessed, that shee heard the town-feild gate at
Marton clapp, and lookeing through a window out of her master's house, shee saw Elks comeing
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72 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. ^
from that gate about the mydle of service time. But Elks pretended that it was impossible to see the
town-feild gate through any window in that house ; and thereupon the whoale Jury came from Eyton
to Marton, and then the mayd shewed them through the window the town-feild gate, and thereupon
the Jury found him guilty of the murder. Hee was after found guilty upon his tryall att Shrews-
bury, and was hanged. Thus ended the family of the Elkes in this parish, and this was one of the
^rst escheats, or forfeitures, which happened to the Lord Keeper Egerton, after his new purchases
in this Country. But beecause another happened about the same time, by a person of the same
name, I will breifly relate it although it was done in another Lordship.
•
There was one Thomas Elks, of Knockin, who had an elder brother, who married and had one
son, and soone after died and his wife abo, and left the child very yong. The grandmother was
gardian to the child.. This grandmother was mother unto Thomas Elks, and was soe indulgent of
him, that shee loved him best of any of her children ; and by supplying him with money to feed his
extravagances, shee vmdid him. But when shee was gon poore, and could not supply him, hee con-
sidered that this child stood in his way beetween him and the estate, and therefore contrived to
remove him: and to that end hee hired a poore boy, of Knocjdn, to entice the child into the come
feilds to gather flowers. The come was then att highest Thomas Elks mett the two children in
in the feilds ; sent the poore boy home, and took the child in his armes into the lower end of the
feild where hee had provided a pale of water, and putting the child's head into the pale of
water hee stifled him to death, and left him in the come. Att evening, the child was missing, and
much inquiry made for him. The poore boy tould how his imcle had hired him to entice the child
into the com feilds, and there tooke him away in his arms. The people suspected that the child
was murdered, and searched the come feild. They found the child, wheather buryed or not or
wheather hee intended to bury him that night, I know not. Elks fled, and tooke the -roade directly
for London. (I thinke hee was a jumyman shoemaker.) The neighbours had intelligence which
way hee went, and sent two men to pursue him, who followed him almost to London ; and as they
were passing on the roade neare Mimmes, in Hertfordshire, they saw two ravens sitt upon a cocke
of hay, pulling the hay with theire beaks, and making an hideouse and unusuall noyse. Upon this,
the two men alighted, from theire horses and went over to see what the matter was, and there they
found Tom Elks fast asleep in the cocke of hay, and apprehended him, who beeing tormented with
the horror of a guilty conscience, confessed that these two ravens had followed him continually from
the time that hee did the fact. Hee was brought backe to Shrewsbury, and there tryed, condemned,
and hanged on a Gibbet, on Knockin Heath,
But to retume to Marton. When Elks his tenement there was forfeitfed to the Lord of the Manor
one Clowes tooke a lease of it, and had a daughter who was marryed to Richard Groome, of Sleape
Hall, brother by a second venter to my grandmother, (on my mother's side.) This Ridiard Groome
had no son by Clowes his daughter, but had 5 daughters. The eldest was marryed to Thomas
Freeman, a younger brother of the family of the Freemans of Isombridge, in this county. The
second was marryed to Thomas Acherley Edge, of Wykey. The reason why hee had three names
was thus — hee was a bastard child of one Edge his daughter, who lived in a tenement beeyond
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 73
Marton neare the Wood, called theRowlands. It is called Edge's tenement to this day, and is now
in lease to Mr. Thomas Hanvood, who married Richard Acherley's widow. Edge's daughter, in her
labour att child bearing fathered the child upon Thomas Atcherley, grandfether of Andrew Acherley,
now living. Att the baptizing of the child, old Edge was one of the godfathers, and hee named the
child Thomas Atcherley. The minister paused awhile, as supposeing it was a mistake, and after
said againe, name this child. To whom Old Edge aanswered, " I am neither drunk nor mad; I say,
Thomas Atcherley," and soe hee was named. The third daughter was married to William Gough,
of Edgboulton, neare Shawbvuy. Hee was my Cozen german, (/./.) my father's brother's son.
rhe fourth daughter was married to Abraham Puller, of Edgboulton. Hee was a long time Bayly
to my lady Corbett, of Acton Reyner, alias Acton Reynold. The youngest daughter was marryed to
Richard Groome son of John Groome, of Sleape; they are both liveing, and proceeded both of the
same common ancestor, John Groome, of Sleape HaU, who was great grandfather to this Richard
Groome, and grandfether to his wife. This Richard Groome is now tenant of this farme.
Thomas Mather has a share in this peiw for his ferme or tenement in Balderton, which is a free-
hold Estate, and is not in the Manor of Myddle, butt belongs to the Manor of Lilshull, which for-
merly was a famouse Abbey in this County. The owners of this tenement doe owe suite and service
to the Court held for the Hundred of Pimhill, as it is a Court Leet; but they pay an yearley cheife
rent to the Lord of the Manor of Lilshull and a heriott att the decease of every principall tenant,
which heriott is "optimum animal cujusque principalis tenentis post mortem suam/' soe that if the
principall tenant had noe liveing creature of his owne att his decease, (although hee had much goods
and money, yet) noe heriott was due — ^and this I have seene, and knowne to happen. By reason of
the cheife rent, they appeare att the great Court and Court Baron of the Lords of the Manor of
Lilshull, which hee holds for his Manor of Hardwicke. This tenement did formerly belonge to the
family of the Husseys, which was of great antiquity and repute in this parish. It is lykely that it
was sould by the Abbotts of Lilshull beefore the dissolution of the abbeyes, temp: Henry VIII.
The last of the Husseys, (save one), that was owner of this farme, was John Hussey, (unlesse I
mistake his name.) Hee was gardian to a yong woman whose name was Elinor Buttry, or Butter. (I
bdeive she was borne neare Drayton, which wee call Drayton in Hales, or Markett Drayton.)
This Elinor had one hundred pounds to her portion, and for covetousnesse of that money, old Hussey
marryed her to his son, Richard Hussey, whilst they were under yeares of consent to marriage.
Perhaps hee was of the same mind as old January was, when he marryed the yong lady May who
said,
A yong thing a man may gy,
As warm hand do wax plj.^'CAaucer,
But hee might rather have taken notice of our old English proverbe, which sayes, that to marry
children togeather, is the way to make whoremongers and whores; and soe it happened, for shee
had noe love for her husband, and told my aunt, Joane Gough, of Newton, that att the time of con-
sent shee would part, and take her portion and beegon. My Aunt approved of her designe, and
told her that hee was such a worthlesse person that shee did not conceive that she could ever live
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74 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
comfortably with him. But my unde, Roger Gough, overhearing them, sayd, "Goe, thou foole,
thou wilt never come to such an estate with a hundred pounds portion, and if thou wilt bee a carefull,
good wife, noe doubt but hee will bee a painfull, laboriouse husband, and you may live happy."
Shee tooke the old man's counsell by the halves, for she consented to the marriage, butt proved a
bad wife, for shee soone beecame too familiar with William Tyler, her next neighbour, (a person of the
the most debauched morals of any that were then in the parish,) that shee gott soe bad a report as
was not to bee endiu-ed by her husband : and when hee reproved her in friendly termes, shee did not
answeare as May did in the like case, as Chaucer reports in his tale of the Marriage betweene Old
January and Lady May :
I wish that never daw the day
That I ne starve as fowle as woman may,
If ever I doe my kin that shame
Or else that I impaire soe my name ;
That I bee false, and if I doe that lacke,
Doe strip me and pat me in a sacke,
And in the next River doe me drench :
I am a gentlewoman, and noe wench«
But this Elinor upbraided her husband in such opprobriouse termse, that, beeing not able to live
in peace with her, hee left her and went to Preston Gubballs, and there sojourned a while with Mr.
Robert Mather, to whom hee sould this Tenement in Balderton. Hee gave his Wife her looJS por-
tion, and shee went to Ljrtle Drayton, where shee kept an alehouse, and Wm. Tyler went often to
visit her and at last had a child by her whom they called Nell Hussey.
Richard Hussey was preferred by Robt Mather to a Knight's service in Kent. The Kni^t's
name was Conningham, and the said Richard Hussey dyed, and soe ended the famyly of the Husseys
in this parish and is utterley extinguished.
Infima calcantur, snmma repente munt.
Robert Mather was a stranger in this coimtry; hee came hither to serve Sir Humphrey Lea, as his
Bayly. Hee was a person very expert in buying and selling of Catle, and had a comission to be
one of the King's purveyors, which was an office to buy fatt beasts for the King's houshould. Some
of these Officers did wrong the Coimtry very much, for the Purveyor would come to a fayre. or Mar-
kett with his long Goad in his hand, and when he saw a paire of Oxen that were for his purpose, hee
would lay his Goad upon them, and if they were unsold, would mark them for the King's use, unlesse
the owner gave him silver persuasions to forbear e; butt if the oxen were once marked, the owner
durst not sell them to any other, and the purveyor would take care not to give too much. These
purveyors were likewise drovyers, who bought catle in this country, and brought them into Kent to
sell again. If the King had any of them it is likely he payd pretty well for them, butt these officers
being found a great nuisance both to the King and Country, were layd aside.
Dulce mihi lucrum bene partum, sed male amarum est.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 75
Robert Mather marryed a gentlewoman whose simame was WoUascott ; shee was descended of that
antient and worthy hmyiy of the Wollascotts of WoUascott, an antient fimne neare Preston
Gubballs ; hee piux:hased the reversion of a lease in Preston, of one Lewis, and after tooke a new lease
of it. Hee had isbue, one son, viz. Thomas Mather, and severall daughters, which were marryed
to severall persons of good quallity. One was marryed to one Twisse, of Hadnall, of an antient and
substandall famyly. Another to one George Hufifa, a rich man. His father was PhiUip Huffa, a
blacksmith, who, by his owne labor and industry, gott a greate estate; I dare nott saye hee gott it
ill; for I never heard any person speake will of him, butt allways commend him, but I can saye that
his estate had the iate of illgotten estates, for itt did not continue three crops.
De male qusesitis vix gaudet tertios Heres.
A third daughter was marryed to Mr. Turner, then Minister of Hadnall, and after of Great Boylas.
Thomas Mather, the son, marryed a daughter of one Bunbery, a gentleman in Chesheire; shee was
but a sickly woman, but shee was ajreligiouse person, and a good housekeeper; hee has one son,
Robt. Mather, who marryed Elizabeth, daughter of Roger Hodden, of Broughton; hee dyed
March 2ist^ 1705.
The Tenants of Billmarsh farme have a share in this peiw; this fanne is the Earle of Bridgewater's
land. It was formerly a common, as appeares, in that every man that has land adjoineing to it, does
incloase from it, except a litle peice of comon called BiUmarsh-Greene, and from this Billmarsh £mne
does make Ha3rment, and therefore it may seeme that this litle Greene is part of Billmarsh fisume,
and that it was left out when the rest was inclosed. There was one George Watson, who was Bayly
of the Manor of Myddle, in the later end of the Derby's time; this Watson did incloase two peices
out of the north side of Billmarsh common, which are now called the Marie peices, and these two
peices are not part of Billmarsh farme.
Before this common was whoally inclosed, there were two l3rtle houses or cottages upon it neare
the south-west comer of the common, and some small incroachments adjoined to them. One
Towers, a Taylor, dwelt in one of them, and one Edward Grestocke, alias Newton, lived and sold ale
in the other, and his wife made cakes, whidi were accounted the best in this country, soe that two or
three of Grestock's cakes was a very acceptable present to a friend. These two famylyes are extinct
in this parish.
Mr. Osmary Hill, (about the beginning of the Earle of Bridgewater's time,) tooke a lease of this
common and incloased it; hee pulled downe the Cottages, and built a faire house upon itt Hee
was bred up a scoUer and kept a very flourishing schoole att his owne house, where many gentlemen's
sons of good quallity were his schollers; hee purchased a peice of freehold land that adjoined up to
his house and was called the land peice. Hee bought a litle meadow called the Partridge meadow,
it lyes att the west end of Sleape Gorse; Hee had alsoe a lease of a tenement in Withyford, under
Mr. Charleton of Apley. Hee had one son, whose name was Francis, hee had severall daughters,
who were servants to gentlemen whosesons were his schollers. Hee had one daughter who was
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76 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
servant to a gentleman who lived neare Wellington, and as this yoimg woman was holding water for
her master to wash his hands in the kitchen, hee cast a litie water from f>ff his finger into her face,
which her mistress, (who was present,) seeing, and conceiveing it too famillier an action, shee in a
rage tooke up the cleaver, and gave her such a blow on the head that shee dyed. "Audita tantum
loquor/' This Mr. Osmary Hill dyed at Billmarsh, and lyes buryed in Myddle churchyard, imder
a plaine grave-stone which lyes by the way side that leads from the church to Mr. Gittins his house.
I doe not know whether any one has been smce buryed under that stone. His son Francis suc-
ceeded him, and marryed a daughter of Mr. Joshua Richardson's, of Broughton; hee sold his lease
of Billmarsh, and the lands which his fether bought, unto George Reve, a Cheshire man, who came
into this coimtry to live at Sleap Hall, as I sayd beefore.
Francis Hill removed to Withyford, and there dyed — hee left behinde him a son, named Francis,
and a daughter who is marryed to Mr. William Gittins of Myddle.
George Reve was a wealthy farmer, and held this farme during the life of Francis Hill, and after-
wards tooke a lease of it for twenty-one yeares; (for att that tyme the Earle of Bridgewater would
set noe leases for lives.) This George Reve had but one son, whose name was Nathaniel; to him
hee gave his lease, and the purchased land, but hee had severall daughters who were marryed to good
substantial! persons in this country.
Nathaniell Reve marryed a daughter of one Jackson of Ash neare Frees Heath — hee had an hun-
dred pound portion with her. Hee purchased some land neare Billmarsh (adjoining to that piece
which his father bought) The lands were called Lytic Billmarsh; hee purchased them of Michael
Baugh of Clive. When the lease of Billmarsh was expired Nathaniel Reve refused to take a new
lease unlesse hee could have itt at his owne rate — and therefore it was leased for twenty-one years to
Thomas Hayward of Tylley — and Nathaniell Reve removed to Broughton and lived there a tenant to
Richard Lister, Esq.; this Nathaniell built a new house at Billmarsh upon his purchased land, but
there is noe seate in Church beelonging to this house. Hee dyed at Broughton; hee was such a
notoriouse Lyer that hee was scarce believed in any thing that hee spoake, and Ellerton's epitaph,
"mutato nomine," may fitt him —
Here lyes Reve layd in the dust,
Or lying Reve, choose which you lust ;
Hee is lying tho' dead ; I doe him noe wrong,
He never was otherwise all his life long.
Nathaniell Reve had four sons and severall daughters, (butt I can give an account butt of one
that marryed one George Job of Tylley.) Hee gave his lands unto Nathaniel, his eldest son, and
thirty pounds a peice for portions to his other children. I will give a short account of George, his
second son, and thereby of the mine of the whoale famyly, for it had beene good for them if hee had
never beene borne.
Morbida facta pecos totum corrumpit ovile
Ne maculet reliquas est removenda gregc. — Fir: Geo:
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 77
Well, better is rotten apple out of hoard,
Than that it shotild rott all that's stored.— Ciloi^^r.
This George Reve was a criple from his mother's womb, hee was borne with one of his leggs shorter
and lesser than the other (the old proverb sayes, Beware of him whom God hath marked.) When
hee was about six or seven yeares old, by the helpeof stede plates fastened to his legge, hee was able
to walke and his legge received strength, but was alwaise shorter than the other — Hee was sett
apprentice to a shoemaker and came to bee an expert workman — ^but Mercury's boone was given
him, that hee should spend a groate beefore hee had gott two pence. Hee soone spent his portion,
and afterward married one of the daughters and co-heires of John Hilton, who had an estate in lands,
of about thirty pounds per annum in Clive. This John Hilton beeing a bad husband, sold his estate
for his life, and went a soldier beeyond sea, but could not sell the inheritance from his two daughters,
of which Reve married one. George Reve sued for this land, and haveing gott proofe that John
Hilton is dead, recovered it, but the costs and charges in law, and his extravagant expences, were
soe great, and the buying of the other daughter's part, that hee had borrowed great sums of money,
and his other brothers were deeply ingaged for him, and soone after this George and his brother
Nathaniell were brought to prison: the other two brothers fled out of the country, one of them left
a wife and child beehinde him, which have reliefe out of Broughton parish. George sold his land
in Clive, and haveing some money a spare removed himselfe into the Fleet, where he now continues.
Nathaniell solde his lands at Billmarsh and now holds itt on the racke rent
Thomas Hayward was the next tenant; he was son of Thomas Ha)rward of Tylley, who marryed
a daughter of Mr. Thomas Kinaston of Ruyton — ^they were both dead, but the grandfather John
Hayward was liveing and kept the house and most of the lands att Tylley from him, and therefore
hee tooke this ferme. Hee marryed a daughter of Mr. Edward Onslow of Acton; her mother was
one of the youngest dalughters of Sir Andrew Corbett, and yet though shee was descended of soe
good parentage shee was (as Sir Thomas Moore was pleased to say of his second wife) nee bella nee
puella. When John Hayward dyed, this Thomas Ha)rward sold his lease to John Wareing of
Shrewsbury, and removed to Tylley, where hee wasted much of his estate and then dyed; his wife
dyed some yeares after him. They left a son and a daughter, very hopefull children.
Ratio nos homines fecit sed gratia sanctos.
John Wareing was an attorney, bred up under Mr. John Edwards of Nesse: his master could not gett
him to write a good hand, nor to leame the practical part of the law throwly, yet hee could make
large bills, and was not inferior therein to the worst attorneys. He marryed one Hayward's
daughter, a weaver in Shrewsbury, and had a considerable fortune in money with her. Hee pur-
chased Mr. Crosse's lands in Yorton, and sold his lease of this farme to Crosse, that hee might have
a place to live in. This John Wareing dyed beefore hee had fully compleated the purchase, and his
brother-in-law John Chambre ot Wolverley, went through with it, and now has the Land.
Nulla fides pietasve viris qui jam subselUa vexant.
Venales lingua aut ibi fas ubi maxima merces.
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78 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
William Crosse was the next tenant (for a while,) he was descended of poor parentage; his father
was Adam Crosse of Yorton, of an antient and substantiall £amily there; his mother was a daughter
of Mr. Joshua Richardson of Broughton, and although his father dyed and left him but young yet
his carefull mother caused him to have good education, under bis uncle Mr. Joshua Richardson,
(some time Rector of Myddle). This William Crosse had a good estate in lands and a faire house
in Yorton. Hee marryed Judith, the daughter of Mr. Francis Whitcombe of Berwicke. Butt that
which sowered all, was that this William Crosse and his wife were both overmuch addicted to
drunkennesse, and it is noe marvell that they consumed the marriage portion, (which was consider-
able,) in a short time, and afterwards the lands. (Plato ait) Ebrius gubemator omnia subvertit sive
nayigium sive currum sive exercitum sive aliam rem quamcumque sibi commissam. — ^When William
Crosse had sold his lands in Yorton hee came to Billmarsh, where hee followed the same way of
drinking as before, for hee and his wife went dayly to the alehouse, and soone after the cows went
thither alsoe; and when his stocke was spent hee sold his lease to Nathaniel Reve, and removed to
Shrewsbury, where hee tqoke a lytle house on the rack rent, and there followed the same way of
drinking. ''Coelum non animum mutant qui trans mare currunt.''
Hee dyed soone after he went to Shrewsbury, and as his life was extravagant, soe his end was
strange, for as hee sate in an ale-house cellar upon the stand that holds the barrells, and whilst
another was drawing drink by him, hee was taken with an apoplexy, and fell downe dead. The other
man thought hee was playing the wagge, and said. Arise, why dost thou play the foole? butt when the
other man went to him hee foimd that hee was dead, and called in neighbours, butt hee could not
bee recovered. Walter de Mapes confessed his owne love to good liquor as follows : —
"Mihi est propbsitom in tabema mori : vinum sit oppositum morientis ori :
Ut dicant cum veniant Angelorum chori, Dens sit propitias huic potatori."
Hee was Archdeacon of Oxford, temp. Henry II.
Nathaniefl Reve had a desire to bee tenant of this farme, because his grandfather and father had
been tenants to it before, and therefore hee bought the lease of Mr. Crosse for £20, and borrowed the
money of Mr. Robert Finch, of Cockeshut, and gave his lease in mortgage for securyty of the £20.
But Reve was soone after taken to goale for debt, (as I said before,) and Finch entered on the farme,
and is now tenant of it To buy land, and borrow all the money that pays for it is such a precipitate
thmg that hardly prospers. "Canis festinans caecos pant catulos."
I have been long in speaking of this fourth peiw on the south side of the north isle, and am now
come to Mr. Hayward's tenement in Newton on the Hill. This tenement, and another tenement,
and severall lands in Newton, didbelong to that worthy family of the Corbetts, of Stanwardine in, the
Wood; and it is likely that this estate did beelong formerly to the Kinaston's of Wallford, and that
Robert Corbett, of Stanwardine, had it b/the marryage of Jane, one of the daughters and co-heires
of Kinaston, and seemg that Kinaston came to the estate of Walford, and Stanwardine, and severall
other lands in this parish by the marryage of the sole daughter and heiresse of John Hoard, Lord of
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDJDLE. 79
Walford, it is possible that these lands in Newton did formerly beelong to the family of Whoards, or
Hords.
Robert Corbett, of Stanwardine, Esq., (with whom I was a servant severall yeares, and mider him
had my best education,) gave these lands in Newton unto Thomas Hayward, oi Balderton, in
exchange for a tenement and lands in Balderton; and Mr. Corbett was to have J&20 in money for
owelty of partition, whidi X20 was impaid nrhen I served Mr. Corbett, and I was sent to demand it
It was unpaid forty yeares at least Mr. Corbett complained that Hayward had circumvented him
in this bargaine, when hee was a young man, and did not well understand the worthe of his lands.
Thomas Hayward gave these lands to Thomas, his eldest son, and hee sold them to Thomas Hall,
of Balderton. Hall borrowed all the money at interest which payd for the purchase, which caused
Thomas Hayward, (who was a discreet man,) to say, that the buying of these lands in Newton would
cause Mr. Hall to sell Balderton.
Diu delibera fac, cito. — Senecm,
Semper in aagenda festinat et obruitor re. — Hot,
Thomas Hall sold one of these tenements in Newton unto mee, and the greater part of the lands.
Att the time of my purchase, it was agreed, that the share in this peiw should beelong to that tene-
ment which Thomas Hall did reserve, and that I should have that share in the sixth peiw on the
south side of the north isle which beelonged to these lands in Newton. Hiomas Hall afterwards
sold the other tenement in Newton, and the lands belonging to it, unto Robert Hayward, now
(1701) owner of itt; and to this tenement the seat I am now speakeing of beelongs.
Butt since I have undertaken to write of the Antiquityes and some old accidents that have happened
in this parish, it will bee neediiill to say somewhat of the tenants of these lands, and I doe finde that
the famyly of the Newtons were formerly tenants of these lands, and that one John Newton, who was
the last of that name here, had a daughter, named Jane, who was marryed to one Griffith ap Reece,
of the parish of Baschurch, anno is8i. Butt there were two houses upon these lands, and one .
William Parkes lived in one of them. Hee was a weaver, and had many children, whereof Mr.
Kinaston tooke one and maintained her, as I said before; and this is observeable, that although
this Parkes was a poore weaver, and had eleven children, yet neither hee nor any of his children
were chargeable to the parish.
Quod satis est cui oontingit nihil amplins optat — ffor.
Although this famyly was numerouse, yet it is now whoally extinct in this parish. I knew but
one of Parkes' children : her name was Anne. She was taken in her youth with that distemper which
is called the ricketts; shee could not goe or walke imtill shee was nineteene yeares of age. After-
wards her limbs received strength, and she was able to walke. Shee learned to knit stockens and
gloves, in which imployment shee was very expert and labouriouse, and thereby maintained herselfe
after the death of her parents. Shee was never married. Shee died att Daniel Tildle/s house in
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8o ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Newton, and had twenty shillings in her coffer when shee dyed, which shee said she kept to pay for
her funerall; and it may bee shee was never worth more all her life.
Quid tibi dividae prosunt si pauper 9h\mdas,^Cato.
Bui now I retume to Griffith ap Reece, the other tenant. Hee was a carefuU, laboriouse person
and lived plentifully. Hee had three sons — ^John, Richard, and William, and one daughter, named
Elizabeth. John was marryed, and lived in Harlescott Hee had ason, named John, who lived
in Yorton, who had a son named Thomas. Hee is now a freemason, and a good workman. Hee
had a daughter, who was first marryed to one Thomas Owen, of Myddle, and is now marryed to one
Samuel Davis, a sow-gelter in Myddle.
Richard, the second son, marryed a wife, whose name was Gwen. Hee lived some while in New-
ton, as tenant to Mr. Gittins, and after removed to Broughton, and held a farme under Sir Thomas
Lister, of Rowton. This Sir Thomas presented King Charles I. with a purse of gold when the
king was at Shrewsbury, an. dom. 1642, and there the king knighted him.
Aurea sunt ver^ nunc siecula ; plurimus auro
Venit honos' OvU dt Art Amandi,
This Richard Preece had a son named Richard, (hee marryed Margaret, the daughter of one Tay-
lor, of Broughton,) and had a daughter, called Jane, who was marryed to one Roger Clarke, a
butcher in Ellesmeare, and was very rich. But Richard Preece, the second, proved the saddest
drunkard that ever I heard of. He would never (by his good will) drinke lesse than a pint or a
quart of strong ale at a draught
Quo plus sunt pot« plus sitiuntur aquaa.— O&w/.
Hee destroyed himselfe and his estate by drinke and after his death, his sister Jane, of meare
charyty, maintained his widow. Hee left behinde him a son, named Richard, who marryed Mary
Hancocke, of Wem, an ale-woman. She was thought to bee a light huswife, and hee proved to bee
a light fingered person, and at last hee was sent to Shrewsbury goale for fellony, where hee hired a
silly boy to procure him instruments to breake prison. The boy brought to him a bar of iron and a
broaken broome hooke, and with these he pulled out severall stones, and made a hole through the
stone wall of the dungeon, and soe escaped, but left the tooles beehinde him. It was found that the
sileyboyhad these things fi-om a neighbour's house the day before; and soe the poore boy was
hanged, and Preece escaped and went out of this coxmtry.
William Preece, (who was called Scoggan,) I have mentioned before — how he was a soldier in the
Low countryes, and att his return marryed one Katherine Chetwall, of Peplow. Of his three sons I
have spoaken. What I have to add is, that after his retume from the Low countryes, hee was made
a Serjeant in the trained bands for this county, in that company whereof Sir Richard Hussey, of
Abright Hussey, was Kaptain. But when King Charles came to Shrewsbury^ hee listed himselfe a
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 81
soldier in the King's service, and because hee was a stout and experienced soldier, hee was there
made a Serjeant Hee was lame, butt not by any hurt in the warres; butt endeavouripg to robbe
Bayly Downton's hortyard he fell downe from a peare tree, and broake his l^ge, which was ever after-
wards crooked. In the warre time hee came to Peplow, to visitt his wife's freinds, and tras there
taken prisoner by the Parliament soldiers, and brought to Wem; but he broake prison, and escaped
the first night to Myddle, and there sheltered himselfe the day following in the tower or staircase of
Mjrddle Castle, and the next night went to Shrewsbury. Att that time the garrison soldiers of Wem
made theire outroads many times allmost to the walls of Shrewsbury; and to prevent this insolence,
the governor of Shrewsbury placed a garrison att Abright Hussey and Scoggan was governor of it
I remember the soldiers fetched bedding from Newton for the use of the soldiers there. They
tooke onely one coarse bedd Hilling from my father. A party of Horse, of the Parliament side,
came on a Sunday, in the aftemoone, and &ced this garrison, and Scoggan, standing in a window, in
an upper room, cryed aloud, that the others heard him say, **Lett such a number goe to such a place,
and soe many to such a place; and let twenty come with mee i* (butt he had butt eight in all in
the house.) And Scoggan, seeing one Phillip Bunny among the enemyes, ^o was a taylor^ borne
in Hadnall, hee tooke a fowling gun, and called to Bunny, and said, ^Bunny, have at thee!'' and
shott him through the legge, and killed his horse. The Parliament soldiers tooke up Bunny, and
departed. Soone after, this Garrison was recalled att the request of Mr. Pelham Corbett, who
feared that the Parliament soldiers would come and fire his buildings. This Scoggan marryed a
second wife, and boarded her with John Matthews, (whom they called Great John Matthews,) who
then lived in a house of my Other's called Whitrish House, and there shee dyed. Scoggan continued
a soldier in the King's service untill the King's party was vanquished and dispersed, and the King, by
wicked hands, had lost his life; of whom a loyall subject made this epitaph —
Non Carolus magnus, nee Carolus quintus,
Sed Carolus agnus, Hie jacet intus.
This calls to my mind that of Charles the Great —
Carolus ut vieto disoessit victus ^ orbe
Ulterius tendens regna beata tenet.
This Scoggan, after the warrs, came to Whixall, and there marryed a third wife. Hee was not
troubled by the Parliament party, as many others were ; for hee that sits on the ground can fall noe
lower. Soe hee dyed in peace.
But yet Elizabeth, the daughter of Grifi&th ap Reece, is not to bee foigotten.
'*Ni soelerata suum possint delinere nomen."
She was marryed tmto one Thomas Hodden, of Myddle, and therefore I will speake more of her
when I come to the seat that belongs to his tenement
After the death of Griffith ap Reece, Thomas Hayward came to bee owner of Mr. Corbett's lands
K
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82 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
in Newton, and hee placed Thomas TUdsley in one tenement, and one Robert Smith dwelt in the
other, who came there upon the death of William Parkes. This Robert Smyth was bome of good
parentage in^Acton Reynold. Hee marryed a Welsh woman, whose name was Jane, and by her had
two daughters — ^Jane and Alice. This Alice was marryed to Richard Owen, the youngest son of John
Owen, of Myddle. This Richard tooke a lease of Mr. Adam Crosse, of Yorton, of a litle house and
peice of ground, called the Gothomes, or Goddins, formerly called Goldbum's piece, and there dyed,
and his son William is now tenant there. Thomas Tildsley, that held the other tenement, and
marryed Jane, the eldest daughter of Robert Smith. This was one of the Tildsleys, of Merington.
Hee had a son, named Daniell, and soone after dyed. His widow held the tenement for some time;
and afterward Thomas Hayward held it in his owne hands untill hee sold it to Thomas Hall. This
Mr. Hall pulled downe the cheife house, and sett itt up againe att the end of the lane which leads
from Newton to Haremeare Heathy and afterwards sold it to mee, with his part in the sixth seate on
the south side of the north isle, and when I came to that seate I will speake more of this tenement
Mr. Hall pulled downe the house and building wherein Robert Smyth had lived, and sett itt up
where the other had beene and Daniel, the son of Thomas Tildsley, came to bee tenant to it Hee
was a peaceable and religiouse person^ hee manyed a servant of Mr. Hall's, her name was Katherine
Jones. She was bome in Wales, neare a place called the Mould. They are both dead, and one
John Williams, who was bome att a place called Coidyrath, neare St Martin's and marryed Mary
the daughter of Daniell Tildsley,' is now tenant of it, under Mr. Robert Hayward, who purchased itt
of Mr. Hall.
The Fifth Peiw on the South sideofthe North Isle belongs to Shotton,
I have spoaken allready of that loveing and lovely family.
Ignotum noto noli prseponere amico;
Cognita judicio constant, incognita casu. —Cato,
The Sixt Pern on the South side of the North Isle.
This beelongs to Mr. Cotton's farme in Alderton; to Richard Cough's tenement, which he purchased
of Mr. Hall, in Newton; to Richard Groome, in Marton ; and Thomas Shaw, of the same. Of this
Peiw I have spoaken somewhat already, how upon a difference beetween John Down ton, of Alderton;
and William Formestone, of Marton, there was a parish meeting appointed and an order was made
whereby John Downton was to have one halfe of the seate, Thomas Hall a quarter, and Richard
Groome and William Formeston, one kneeling a peice. That part of the seate which did beelong
to John Downton, does now beelong to Mr. Phillip Cotton, who purchased John Downton's farme,
and it seems to mee, that itt was intended by those that made the order, that John Downton should
have the cheife kneeling, beecause hee is first named, and is named beefore Mr. Hall, as in other
cases hee is not There is now (1701) some contest beetween William Groome, tenant to Mr. Cotton,
and his brother, Richard Groome, about the superiority in this seate, and William Groome has
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made severall large complaints toe his Landlord about itt. But hec loves himselfe and his money
too well to spend labour and charges in such matters ; but his tenant must trust to himselfe. Whether
Mr. Cotton doe well in itt, I will not say, but I remember a saying of Claudius Tacitus the Emperor.
Sibi bonus, aliis malus
Qui sibi ncn ali js bonus est, malus ille vocetur
Nam lucri causa fit bonus atque malus.
Thomas Hall, by the order, had a quarter of the seat. Hee sold his part to mee, by agreement,
when I purchased one of his tenements in Newton. This house, or tenement, stood att the end of
the lane which leads from Newton to Haremeare Heath, and one Robert Ored lived in itt, and sold
ale. Hee was borne in Wirrall, in Cheshire, and comeing into this coimtry, marryed one Elinor
Gorstilow; hee had two sons by her at one birth, which hee named Moses and Aaron. Hee removed
hence with his wife and family a lytle beefore I bought the tenement, and went againe to Wirrall.
When I purchased itt, one Thomas Hancocks, who was borne in Broughton, and had marryed Joan,
the daughter of Thomas Whitfield, a Tanner in Tylley. near Wem, dwelt in the house, and sold
ale. But hee disliking the place, I removed the house to another peice, called the Old Feild, which
I att the same time purchased of Mr. Hall. (The peice from whence the house was removed is to
this day called Ored's peice.) The house was sett by the road side that leads from Wem to Shrews-
bury, and one Walter GreenwoUer, who was borne in Market Drayton, marryed Sarah the daughter
of Thomas Hancocks, is now tenant of it
Of Richard Groome's famyly, I have spoaken beefore, and of Shaw I hope to speake of when I
come toe his cheife seate, beecause I think hee has litle to doe with this seate, and if wee beeleive
John Downton, hee has nothing at all in itt.
■
77te Staventh Peiw on the South side of the North Isle beelongs whoaUy to the whoale town or forme of
Hulstcn.
Hulston is an hamlett in the towneship of Myddle; there is a constable, but neither pound nor
Stockes, nor ever was (as I beeleive.) This was one entire farme, and did beelong to the Lord Strang,
and was granted to some chaplain or servant There was a Hall in this towne, and therefore it was
called Hullston, for Hull, in old Saxon, is a Hall. There is a peice of ground in this township,
called the Hall yard in which are plowed and digged up some foundation stones and other things
which shew that there have been large buildings. It is conceived by most that know this towne or
farme, that it fell among 5 sisters, and that William Wicherley, Esq., hath two sisters' parts; Sir
Francis Edwards Bart., hath one sister's part; Mr. Richard Lloyd, Gierke, hath one sister's part, and
Mr. Thomas Gittins, now Vicker of Loppington, one sister's part These foiu: tenements containe
the whoale towne — I cannot say to which of them the cheife seate or kneeling beelongs, but I will
speake of them in the order I have named them.
Mr. Wicherle/s tenement was formerly the estate of one Mr. Aupert, a Cheshire gentleman, (audita
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loquor.) Mr. Gittins of Myddle, (grandfather to the vicker, was about to buy itt, and a meeting for
that purpose was to bee att Whitchurch. It happened that the night beefore the meeting Mr. Gittins
his horses were broake out of the pasture and gott into Mr. Hotchkis his ground, in Webscott, and
Mr. Hotchkis his servants had put them in the common land, and they were istrayed to Meriton
Greene, soe that Mr. Gittins his servants were a greate part of the day a seekeing them, and James
Wicherley of Yorton came beetimes to Whitchurch and purchased the tenement in Hullston of Mr.
Aupert beefore Mr. Gittins came. I have not heard that James Wicherley was blamed for antici-
pating Mr. Gittins, but I can say that James Wicherle/s estate had the fate of goods not well gotten,
which our English proverbe sayes, "will not last three cropps," and the Latine sajrs, "De male
quaesitis vix gaudet tertius Heres." But it is an erroniouse way to judge of things by the event.
Si fortnna volet fies de Rhetore Consul,
Si volet hsec eadem fies de Consule Rhetor. «-*>iv^im/.
James Wicherley was a wealthy man, very provident and spareing, or as some would say covetouse.
Hee had two sonnes, James and Richard. This James fell in love with a sister of Adam Crosse, his
next neighbour. Shee was a beautifull gentlewoman of good parts and education, but beecause her
portion was inferior to old James his expectation hee would in noe case agree to the match, and did
what hee could to prevent his son comeing neare her. But love will cause boldnesse tho' attended
with danger, for this young James was endeavouring to come to his Mistress, and passing through
some out buildings that hee might not bee scene, hee gott a fall and broake his thigh and dyed.
Richard, the second son, noarryed Margarett, a daughter of that antient and substantiall famyly of
the Fewtrells of Easthope. This Richard was heire to his ^thor's patrimony and parsimony. I never
heard that he was commended either for his charity to the pocnre, his hospitality to his neighbours,
nor his plentifull housekeeping for his servants. Hee was troubled in Ae time of the wars (temp Car.
I.) with the outrages and plunderings of soldiers on both parties, (as all rich men were) and seeing
his goods and horses taken away, and his money consumed in paying taxes, hee tooke an extreeme
greife and iyed. Hee had noe child, and therefore hee adopted a kinsman named Richard Wicherley,
to bee his heire, who after his decease entered upon the one halfe of the estate throwout with the
widow. Hee was a quiet man, and lived peaceably with the widow, for shee ruled all things and did
what shee pleased. Hee was given to noe vice, nor seemed to bee proud; hee never altered the
fashion of his cloathes, for hee never had but one and the same suite during all the time that I knew
him, which was about ten yeares. This Richard Wicherley the second was never marryed, and
therefore hee adopted Richard Wicherley, (son of his brother Thomas Wicherley of Crockshutt,) to
bee his heire, and put him to schoole to Mr. Suger of Broughton, att what time I Was a schoUar there.
Hee was very dull at learning, which caused Mr. Suger to say very often hee had noe gutts in his
braines, but it seems hee had geare in his britches, for hee got one of his uncle's servant maids with
child, and thereupon his uncle sent him to London and bound him an apprentice there to a person
that used some small trade about stuffs and serjeys. Beefore his time was fully expired, hee marryed
his maid; his uncle soone after dyed, and awhile after the widow dyed. There was a widow who
had beene wife to one Thomas Hulston of Kenwick's Parke, and sister's daughter to old'Richard
Wicherley. This widow Hulston came to the fimerall of the widow Wicherley, and brought with her
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ANTIQUmES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 85
some persons whom shee could trust and were privy to her designe, and whta the Corps were taken
out of the house and the company was gone, this widow Hulston and her confederates did dratt Uie
doores and kept possession. This news was soit to Richard \\lcherley, (the diird of that name,) to
London, but hee beeing unskilfull in Ae law and destitute of money, (for I thinke hee had noe
portion with his wife,) sold his lands to Daniell Wicherley, of Clive, Esq., who soone outed the
widow Hulston. It is said the lands were sold at an easy value, and I partly beleive it, for hee
that sold them knew not the worth of dienu
Quo mlhi fbrtmuisi noo oognosdtar od.
Daniell Wicherley, Esq., was eldest son of Daniell Wicherley of Clive, gent, who marryed the
dau^^ter of (me William WolfA of Acton Reynold. She was a proper comely and ingeniouse pars(m,
but her Husband was a spare leane person, whose countenance shewed that he was a passionate
cholerick man, and his actions proved him soe; for hee wasallways at strife with his nei^bours, and
much in debt Hee mcnr^gaged all his estate in Clive to Mr. Gardner, of Sansaw, and gave it him
in possession, and lived on his wife's estate in ActmL This Daniell Wicherley, the son, was well
educated with all sorts of learning that Ae country would aford^ and haveing the advantage of a good
naturall witt and a strong memory, hee was like to make a person fitt for any weighty imploymoit
Hee was sent to London in his youA and there served some person that beelonged to the law, and
after haveing a prospect of obtaineing a Teller's place in the King's Exchequer, his Father wanting
money, his aunt, in Acton, furnished him with one htmdred pounds, which procured the place, and
then hee began to gather money and to gett great acquaintance. After some yeares hee obtained a
Steward's place under the Marquesse of Winchester, (this was that iSunyly of whom it is said, that
^every other heire is a wise man.'') In this Nobleman's service Mr. Wich^ley gott his estate — hee
marryed the Marquesse's gentlewoman who if shee wanted beauty had a large share of tongue.
And now all the Marquesse's estate was sequestered, and hee and his son secured in the Tower,
because they had adhered to the King, and Mr, Wich^ley must raise a vast sum of money to pay off
the Marquesses composition (hie labor hoc opus est), Mr. Wicherley, by selling and leasing of lands,
and by borrowing money in the Cytty, (for which he gave a land security,) procured the money in time
and caused the Marquesse and his son to be released and dischaiged. But dureing this time, the
Earle of Arundell had sent his Steward to Wem, upon the account of raiseing money to pay the Earle's
composition. This Earle, like a right Nobleman, caused notice to bee given to all his coppyholders,
that if they pleased they might enfranchise theire estates and make them fee simple. Many embraced
this motion and made their land free, butt some inconsiderate selfe-conceited persons refused, and
conceived that a coppyhold estate was better than a freehold, but they found the contrary, to the
great damage of theire ^unilyes, and the mine of some. The Steward's name I think was HassalL
This Mr. Hassall and Mr. Wicherley, were of great acquaintance, and Mr. Wicherley sold lands to
Mr. Hassall which were of the Marquesses estate, and when the coppyholders had done piuxdiasing,
Mr. Hassall sold the Lordshipps of Wem and Loppington to Mr. Wicherley, and soe Mr. Wicherley
beecame Lord of the Manor of Wem, and was by some persons called my Lord Wicherley. Soon
after hee was made a commissioner foi the raiseing of the Royall aid, and after was putt in the
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86 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
commission of the peace for this County, and wroate himselfe Esq., and now I have brought this
Esquire to his zenith, or verticall point.
Parva quidem crescunt lent^, summisque negatum,
Stare diu. (hid.
The Justices of the Peace of this County indeavoured to have him putt out ot the commission, and
to that end preferred certaine articles and a petition to the King and Counsell. Mr. Wicherley was
summoned to answeare them. The then Lord Newport assisted the Justices, and then was a Ptivy
Counsellor; att the time of heareing, the King was present in Counsell, and many things were proved
against Mr. Wicherley, but the cheife was that hee had granted a replevin for a horse that was dis-
trained and impounded by vertue of a warrant from the Deputyes Leiftenants of this County, for not
paying of a trained soldier's pay. This seemed a contempt of his Majesty's deputyes leiftenanf s
power; at last a short petition against Mr. Wicherley was read, which was signed by severall hun-
dreds of freeholders. During this heareing, the Earle of Bridgewater, (then one of the King's
counsel,) tooke notes of all the cheife things that were proved against Mr. Wicherley, intending
as itt was thought to make a speech, and sum up the whole matter, and deliver his judgment of itt;
but the King spared him that labour; for the King rising up said to the Lord President, "I thinke
wee must putt' him out," to which all the rest agreed, and it was done. But this is not all; fortuna
obesse nuUi contenta est semel.
The old Marquesse of Winchester beeing dead, his son cald Mr. Wicherley to give an accompt ot
his Stewardship. This proved a long and chargeable suite; what the yoimg Marquesse gott I cannot
say, butt I have heard that Mr. Wicherley parted with all the Leases which hee had of the Marquesse's
land and what houses hee had in London; butt this is not an end of trouble.
Lis litem generat, ooncordia nntrit amorem.
Mr. Wicherley had a long and chargeable suite with his Coppyholders of Wem Lordshipp; they
alleaged that theire custome for payment of fines att every decease and att surenders, was to bee one
year's rent, according to the cheife rent which was paid yearely to the Lord of the Manor. But Mr*
Wicherley pretended that it was arbitrary, not exceeding three years' rent, according to the improved
rent on the full value; after a tedious suite, it was decreed that the fine should be arbitrary, butt
should not exceed one year's rent on the improved rent. "Sero sapiunt Phryges." And the Coppy-
holders repented too late, that they had not made theire land free. When Sir George Jeflfryes was
made keeper of the Great Scale, hee was only a bare Imiglit, but when Mr. Wicherley had settled his
customes in the Manors of Wem and Loppington, hee sold them to Sir George, and because Wem
had beene an antient Barrony, hee was created Baron of Wem, and made Lord Chancellor; after that
Mr. Wicherley was noe more called my Lord Wicherley.
But this was not an end of Mr. Wicherle/s suites at Law, for hee had a great suite with the Towne
and Schooles of Shrewsbury, about mainetenance for the Minister of Clive Chappell. The case was
faire, if his designes had been soe; but to endeavour to prove it a donative, and himselfe patron, was
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 87
such an idle thing that his owne Children laft att itt The case was thus: — Queene Elizabeth of
Blessed memory, gave the Tythes of Cherbury to maintaine a free Gramer schoole, with three
masters, in Shrewsbury, and a minister for Clive Chappell, and another for Astley Chappell, and gave
orders that Mr. Thomas Aston, (the first High Schoole-master, a just man, whose memory is very
famouse,) should proportion the salaryes. Hee appointed £5, per annum for each of the Chappels;
butt I cannoe saye what salaryes were appointed to the Schoolemasters. Howbeit there was a
Schoole Bayley made, and the value of the Tythes encreased, and the money that was over the
salaryes, was layd out in purchaseing fee-farme rents, anuytyes, leases, and such things as might bee
purchased without danger of the Statute of Mortmaine. — At last, as the number of SchoUers increased,
there was a foiuth schoolemaster added, and as the Schoole Revenue increased, the salaryes to the
Schoole masters was increased, but not to the Chappells,
Mr. Wicherley began his suite by English bill in the Exdiequer, in London, but hce had soe bom-
basted his matter with the tytle of Donative, and his claime of Patronage, that hee could doe nothing
but spend money. Afterwards hee petitioned the House of Lords assembled in Parliament, and
onely layd out the case as I have mentioned before, aud there the thing seemed soe fayre, that the
Earle of Bridgewater told him, "Wicherley thou hast a good cause in hand which is very good."
The Lords made an order that the Salary should bee increased soe much as the Archbishop of
Canterbury and the Bishop of London should thinke fytt, — and they adwarded that it should bee
increased to £10 per annmn. But Mr. Wicherley was not content with itt, and thereupon hee
petitioned the King and Coimsell to bee relieved against the erroniouse adward of the Bishops.
The cause was heard before Queen Mary and the Counsell, for the King was then in Flanders, and
there was an order made that^3i. per annum should bee allowed to the Clive Chappell. This order
I saw and transcribed for Mr. Wicherley — But the Schooles havemg the assistance of my Lord
Newport, who allwa)rs opposed Mr. Wicherley, petitioned for a reheareing which was granted — but
age and sicknesse prevented Mr. Wicherley prosecuting this matter any further. I have heard him
much commended for that hee did never contend with persons imable to deale with him, butt with
great persons, as appeares by what I have mentioned. But his last contest was with one that was
stronger than all the rest, which was Death, but this was soone over.
For wagdng Law with craell Death,
Hee was nonsuite for want of breath.
His son, William Wicherley, Esq., succeeds him — a person as highly educated as any in this County,
and excellently skilld in dramaticall poetry. The Earle of Rochester, in his Poem of the Poets of
our time, gives a great encomium of him, and terms him the restorer of true Comedy, and after hath
these verses of him —
Wicherley eames hard for what he gaines ;
Hee wants noe judgment, and hee spares noe paines ;
Hee often times excells, and att the best
Committs lesse faults than any of the rest.
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This Mr. Wicherley was once marryed to an Ireish Countesse; shee was Heiresse or widow (I
know not whether) to Earle Roberts, sometyme Lord Deputy of Ireland. Hee had noe ishue by
her; shee is dead, hee is a widower, and beeing impaired in body by age and sicknesse, it is likely
hee will not marry againe.
Ladit in humanis divina potentia rebus
Et certain prsesens vix habet hot& fideoL Ovid,
The next tenement belongs to Sir Francis Edwards; this is a &mily of Baronef s d^;ree, and I
believe made soe when the King was att Shrewsbury, anno 42. I have nothing memorable to say of
this family; they are a sort of quiet mild persons, and make noe great figure either in Towne or
Country, but I will speake somewhat of the tenant
There was two famylyes of the Pickstocks in this side of Myddle Parish. The one held this tene-
ment. The other dwelt in Brandwood, but whether of these was the elder famyly, I know not, but
these familyes are now both extinct in this parish, for famylyes have theire fate, as well as other
things.
Nam proprise telliiris Hemm natnra, nee ilium
Nee me, nee qnenquam statuit Horace*
The last of them that was tenant in Houlston, was George Pickstock; he was very in&mouse for
reselling of stolne goods. His ground was oveigrowne with wood and thomes, and, lying in an
obscure place, was a fitt receptacle for stolne beasts and horses. His wife's name was Dorothy;
whether she was faire or not I know not, but it seems shee did not observe the counsell of an old
woman to her daughter, ''Si non castd tamen caut^" George Pickstock had two children, John and
Elizabeth; John was somewhile servant to my &ther ; he was an able and active person in husbandry;
hee afterward served Samuell Formestone of Brandwood, and gott a wench with child and fled away,
and by chance came to my father-in-law, William Wood of Peplow, and was hired with him, butt the
wench enquired him out, and came to apprehend him, but hee fled firom thence, but I know not
whither. After the death of George Pickstock, William Bickley was tenant of this tenement, and
after him, William Tyler, of Balderton, and after him Samuell Formestone, and now James Fewtrell,
who marryed a daughter of Samuel Formeston's, is tenant of itt All the buildings are fallen, save
onely some part of the dwelling house which is made use of to putt hay and fodder in.
The next is Mr. Richard Lloyd's tenement; of his famyly I have spoaken before, and as concerning
his tenants here there is nothing worth mentioning.
Mr. Gittins his tenement, was formerly the lands of one Tong, but of what place I know not, for
there was one Tonge who was rector of Myddle, and another of the same name lived in Myddle.
There was alsoe one Tonge of Marton, and another Tong of Weston Lullingfield, who was a measne
Lord of the Manor of Weston Lullingfield; hee had severall lands in other Townes, but all is sold,
and the famyly is gon or extinct. This Tonge sold his Manor of Weston to Sir Thomas Scriven of
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Froadsley, and hee again sold itt to my old Master, Robert Corbett of Stanwardine, Esq., and now
itt is all the Estate of Thomas Corbett, Esq., late of Stanwardine. This Manor containes about
eight or nine farmes, and tenements, with some cottages and severall cheife rents — ^but I digresse.
I hope to speake of Mr. Gittins his famyly, when I come to the Seate belonging to the Castle
Farme. In the meanetyme, a word or two of the tenants of this tenement in Houlston*
' I finde that one Reynold Aston was tenant to it, and I have heard that hee marryed a daughter of
the ^unyly of the Tylers of Balderton. Hee had a son named John, and two daughters, Mary and
Anne. This Anne is long since dead : Mary was marryed to one William Groome; I know not of what
famyly hee was, but I finde there was one William Groome a weaver, in Hulston, and it may bee hee
was son to this weaver. This William had two sons, John and Daniell, and a daughter named Mary,
who now lives in Myddle. Shee is very old, but not much chargeable to the Parish. Daniell is
married and lives well John is marryed and has noe child by his wife. Hee built a pretty lytle
house on this tenement, and lived in a good condition for many yeares. Hee was alwayes a sober
man, and a painefull laborer; but hb wife is now blinde, and hee is old and indeed an object of
charity. Hee is now tenant to Mr. Gittins.
But I must not foigett John Aston, because many in the Parish have reason to remember him.
Hee was a sort of a silly fellow, very idle and much given to stealing of poultry and small things.
Hee was many times catched in the fact, and sometimes well cojaled by those that would trouble
themselves noe further with him. Butt at last hee grew unsufierable, and made it his common
practice to steal henns in the night and bring them to Shrewsbury, where hee had confederates to
receive them att any time of night. Hee was att last imprisoned and indicted for stealing twenty-
four cocks and henns. The Judge, seeing him a silly man, told the Jury that the matter of fact was
soe fully proved that they must finde the prisoner guilty, but they would doe well to consider of the
value, and thereupon the Jury fotmd him guilty of fellony to the value of eleven pence, att which
the judge laught heartily and said he was glad to heare that cocks and henns were soe cheap in this
country. This made John Aston more carefiill, butt hee left not his old trade whoally.
Vulpes non pellem possit mntare capiUis.
This John Aston was a person of a deformed cotmtenance and a mis-shapen body; his pace or
gate was directly such as if hee had studied to imitate the peacocke, of which bird I have read this
verse —
Angelus in pennis, pede latro, voce Gehenna.
This towne of Houlston, or Hulston, (I suppose) tooke its name from a Hall that was formerly in
it, (perhaps when it was one entyre farme.) There is a place in this towne called the Hall yard, in
which are many times digged and plowed up some foundation stones and other stones of antient
buildings, but I forgett myselfe haveing written this beefore.
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90 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
The Eighth Seaic an the South side of the North Isle.
This Peiw beelongs to Mr. Gittins his freehold lands in Myddle, to John Horton's tenement in
Myddle. Concerning the famyly of the Gittinses I intend to speake att large hereafter. This tene-
ment is accompted an halfe tenement, and it seemes to mee, by an antient recovery now in my
keeping, that it was formerly the lands of the Banasters of HadnalL The family of the Mathewes
was for a long time tenants of it One William Mathews, who had a lease under Mr. Banaster,
lived in this tenement, (which is called the house att the higher well,) when Mr. Gittins bought it
William Matthews had two Brethren, John and Edward ; this Edward was a blinde man, butt I
conceive hee was not borne blinde, for hee could goe all over this part of the parish a begging,
and soe maintained himself with meate. But the parish maintained him with cloaths. Hee was
the onely person that was then chargeable to the parish ; soe that I have heard my father say that
the first yeare that hee was marryed, (which was about the yeare 1633,) hee payd onely four pence to
the poore, and now I pay almost twenty shillings per annum. This Edward Matthews was a strong
man, and did wind up the stones for the building of Myddle steeple. John Mathews was commonly
called great John Matthews, for there was another family of the Mathewses in Myddle, and the
master of it was called little John Mathews. This great John Mathews was soe miserably covetouse
that hee would not allow himselfe necessary meate and cloathing, and yet hee had still moneyes
afore hand. Hee had one daughter, named Elizabeth, who was marryed to one Habbakuk Heylin,
a bastard son of Mr. John Heylin, of Alderton, in Shrawardine parish. This Mr. Heylin was
descended of a good, but yet a decaying family. Hee was a very strong man; and I have heard
it reported that hee would take a threepenny horse shooe and with his two hands would draw it
strayt Hee was a Captaine in the army of King Charles the first Hee had a daughter, named
Golibra. Shee was servant to a lady in the west of England. The lady was blinde; and, by her
maid's persuasion, she came to live in Shrewsbury for the wholesomness of the ayre. Att that time,
Mr. Heylin was an officer in the Garrison in Shrewsbury Castle, (temp. Car. I.) Hee came often to
visitt this Lady, and would sitt by her discourseing half a day. Att last shee gave him his table^
and afterward was marryed to hijn, and then hee tooke her to her owne country agen, Habbakuk
Heylin's wife dyed without ishue. William Mathews, that held the tenement of which I am speakeing
had likewise a lease of a peice of land called the Wood Leasow, which hee held imder the Earle of
Bridgewater. Hee had one daughter, named Alice. When hee dyed, the tenement fell to Mr.
Gittins, but the lease of the Wood Leasow fell to his daughter Alice, who was then a servant to Mr.
Gittins in Myddle. Shee renewed her lease, and besides her owne life, shee putt in the lives of
Daniell Gittins, second son of Mr. Gittins, and Mr. Morgan Win, eldest son of Mr. Richard Win, of
Pentre Morgan. Shee marryed one Eavan Jones, a tanner, servant to Mr. Atcherley, of Marton, and
was commonly calld, Evan, the tanner. Hee built an house on the Wood Leasowe, and divided it
into four peices, and soe made it a pretty tenement. Hee and his wife were both laboriouse and
provident persons, and lived in a wealthy condition. They had onley one daughter, Alice dyed
before Evan, and soone after the buriall some maliciouse persons spread a rumor abroad that Evan
had beaten and abused her, which caused her death. There was not many that beeleived the
report ; neverthelesse the Coroner was sent for, (I beeleive, by Evan himselfe.) When the Coroner
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 91
came, bee summoned a Jury, according to the custome in such cases, and caused the Clarke to open
the grave. When the corps was uncovered, the Coroner required the clarke to draw the winding
sheet a litle aside, that they might see the face; which beeing done, the Coroner said, hee had seene
enough, but if the Jury would see further they might; but they would not Then those witnesses
were swome and examined, but nothing materiall was proved, and Evan was acquitted Hee dyed
some yeares after, and his daughter marryed one Richards, of Wykey, and removeing thither, they
S9ld theire lease to mee, att which time one Mr. Morgan Win's life was in it, who was much about
my age; I held it four years; butt being troubled with a bad tenant, whose name was Thomas Jones,
son of Francis Jones, of Marton, and I haveing made a greater purchase, I sold this to Richard
Rogers, a Taylor, who then lived in Petton, and soone after Mr. Morgan Win dyed; butt Rogers
tooke a new lease, and now this Spring sold it to William WiUet, who now lives in it Thus you
see this antient family of the Matthewses is whoaly extinct in this parish. "Nil toto prsestat in orbe."
John Horton is tenant to the Earle of Bridgewater of a tenement in Myddle, to which a share ot
this peiw beelongs. The house stands over against the Church Leich gates. This tenement was
held by the family of the Heddens, which was an antient family in Myddle; and there was another
family in Myddle, of the same name, who lived in Hunt's tenement The last of the Hoddens,
save one, (that were tenants of Horton's tenement,) was Thomas Hodden, who marryed Elizabeth,
the daughter of Griffith ap Reece, of Newton. Hee had ishue by her, Thomas Hodden, and soone
after dyed, leaveing his wife a yoimg wanton widow, who soone after marryed with one Onslow, a
quiet, peaceable man; butt shee soone grew into dislike of him, and was willing to bee shutt of him.
There were other women in Myddle, at that time, that were weary of theire husbands, and it was
reported that this woman and two more made an agreement to poyson theure husbands all in one
night; which (as it is sayd,) was attempted by them all; butt Onslow onely dyed; the other two
escaped very hardly. This wicked act was soone blazed abroad and Elizabeth Onslow fled into
Wales, to her father's relations; butt being pursued, shee was. found upon a hollyday, danceing on
the toppe of an hill amongst a company of young people. Shee was apprehended and brought to
Shrewsbury, and there tryed for her life. Her father spared neither purse nor paines to save her;
and, as some say, by the assistance of Sir Richard Hussey of Adbright Hussey, to whom shee had
formerly beene a servant, shee escaped the gallows. But her next husband did not escape soe, for
hee was the falsest theife that ever I heard of in this parish. His name was John Owen. His
common practice was to sleep in the day time, and to walke abroad in the night; sometimes neare
home, and sometimes farther off, and whatsoever was found loose was a prize for him. Among these
many mischeifs which I have heard that hee did, I will mention but one, (ex pede Herculis.) It
was thus: — ^There was one Jukes that kept an Inne in Myddle, and it was usually the way of the
Newport butchers to goe to Oswaldstree fayre, and there to buy fatt cattell, and to come the same
day backe to Myddle and to ly att this inne all night. It happened one day, as these butchers came
with theire cattell to the inne, that this Owen was drinking there, and hee went out to see the cattell
putt into the back side, and among the rest there was a delicate pied heifer, which was exceeding fatt.
John Owen came in with the bu tellers, and sate drinkeing untill they were gone to bed; and in
the night this John Owen and one of Juke's sons went and caught the heifer, and thrust a wyre
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93 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
into her throat, soe that shee bledde inwardly. In the morning, when the butchers arose, they found
John Owen sitting in the comer att the inne where they left him. One of the butchers went out to
see the cattell, and came in and told them that the pyed heifer was dead; and they all concluded that,
beeing soe very fatt, shee had beene overdriven, and soe dyed. They went all to see her, and
Owen went with them, and told them hee thought that poore people would bee glad of the meate
and therefore hee would buy her, hide and all, which accordingly hee did for a litle money ; and
when they were gon, hee drest her, and hee and the Innkepeer had a great deale of good beiff
I will omitt the rest of these evil things that I have have heard of him, and hasten to that which
hastened his end. I have mentioned before how George Pickstock, of Houlston, had rough groimd,
and thither this Owen brought his stolne cattell and horses. Butt the potsherd that goes often to the
well, comes home broaken att last For there was a stolen horse found in Pickstock's ground, and
Pickstocke was apprehended, and saiditt was John Owen's horse; butt Owen was missing. Hee had
lately sould another to a person towards Atcham, and that horse was killed in the pasture that night
that Pickstocke was apprehended, and it was thought that Owen killd him. The next day Owen
came home and was apprehended; hee confessed that the horse was his, and made that idle excuse
which every silly theife will doe, that he bought him of a stranger upon the roade. Hee was tryed
and condemned at Shrewsbury. Att his tryall, a list of articles of many of his villanyes was presented
to the judge, who, upon reading of them said, it was a great shame that such a man should live.
Great numbers of people went to see his execution and to heare his confession, which they say was
very large, and discovered all the villanyes that hee could*remember that ever hee had done, among
which were severall feUonyes that other persons had beene blamed or suspected for; and in the con-
clusion, hee said, that a lewd and wicked woman in this parish had brought him to that end, and
said, that shee tempted him to kill his wife, and that hee once designed it, and to that end, hee
inticed her, on a Sunday aftemoone, to come with him into the come-fields, to see if the come were
ripe; and as they were walkeing along betweene two lands, or butts of come, hee had a hammer in
in his pockett to knocke her on the head, and then hee turned back againe to doe it, but shee
smileing, and talkeing lovingly to him, hee could not finde in his heart to doe it Thus John Owen
was hanged, and pitty it was that the lewd woman had not beene hanged with him; and then it
might have been said of them, as Mantuan, in his discription of Hell, did of Pope Joane and her
sparke : —
Hie pendebat adhac sexum mentita ▼irilem
Foemina, cui triplid Phiygiam diademate mitram
Extollebat apex et Pontificalis adulter.
Here hanged the woman, of her sex the Iyer,
Who thereby gott the triple crowne ; and by her Mantuan,
Hanged the Pontificall adulterer, her squire. Tom, j. Lib, j.
By this time, Thomas Hodden, the yonger, was growne up unto yeares of discretion. Hee was a
careful!, sober, labouriouse person. Hee married Frances, a servant of Mr. Robert Moores, of
Myddle. Shee was a Yorkshire woman and came hither with Mrs. Moore. Hee had two daughters
by her — Elizabeth and Alice. Hee tooke a new lease of this tenement, and to his owne life hee
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 93
added the lives of Francis his wife, and Elizabeth, his eldest daughter, and soone after dyed. His
widow afterwards was married to one John Williams, a Welshman, who could neither speake speake
good Welsh nor good English. Hee was sometime servant to Mr. Gittins, of Myddlc. This John
Williams had ishue by her a son, named John, (who married a daughter of one Coalen, of Shawbury
parish, and had two daughters by }ier, and then out ran her, and was never heard of,) and a daughter
named Sarah, who was married to one Hayward, a weaver, who then lived in Myddle, and after
removed to Weston under Redde Castle, and from thence to Bletchley, where, by entertaineing a
guest, (for they kept an inne) she was infected with the French measles; shee gott the distemper
healed, butt her husband dyed. They had one son, an untowardly person. Hee stoale away, and
married the daughter of Mr. Goldsbury, of a place called the Rye Bancke, m Wem parish; and after
beeing suspected of felony (perhaps not without cause) hee fledd his country.
Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Thomas Hodden, junior, when shee was growne up wss married to
one Richard Maddocks, (son of Henry Maddocks, of Haston.) Hee gave his father-in-law, John
Williams, and Frances, his wife, several peices of land that did beelong to this tenement to hold for
the life of Frances his wife. The cunning Welshman would not build an house upon any of the
peices of land, feareing that his wife might dye beefore him, butt hee built an house on the top of
Myddle Hill, neare to some of the lands; and now his wife, beeing long since dead, hee lives in it
Richard Maddocks was a carpenter by trade, and an ingeniouse workman, butt hee was very slow,
or as some said idle, soe that few men imployed him, and therefore hee left his trade and turned
carryer; but the death of an old horse broake him. Hee pulled downe the bame which was att his
house over against the Lich gates, and sett it up for a dwelling house (on a peice of ground that
beelonged to his tenement) att the foot of Myddle Hill, neare Penbrooke's gate, and there hee sold
ale, and att a time when a sad feavor wa5 in Myddle, hee and his wife both dyed within a weeke
togeather, and left two sons, Richard and Thomas, and three daughters beehinde them. Upon the
death of Elizabeth, the wife of Richard Maddocks, the lease of this tenement expired, and Richard
Maddocks, jun., who was a shoemaker by trade, tooke a new lease on the racke rent, and after sold
it to John Horton, or Haughton, of Shrewsbury, who is now tenant to the Lord of the Manor, and
his subtenants are John Plungen, att the house over against the lich gates, and John Bennion, att
the house att the foot of Myddle Hill. Thus that ancient famyly of the Hoddens is whoaly extinct
in this Parish.
A share of this Peiw beelongs to the widow Mansells's tenement which is the lands of the Earle of
Bridgewater. I findc that the famyly of the Mansells have beene tenants of it loi yeares; and
beefore them, the family of the Dods were tenants of it for many generations — of which family I finde
nothing memorable, but that one William Dod, was Constable of Myddle Castle in the later end of
the Reigne of Kmg Henry VIII., as appeares by an antient Deed, now in my keepeing. And I finde
by the Parish Register, that in the yeare 1587, one Richard Dod was Parish Clarke of Myddle. -
Hee had a daughter, named Elizabeth, who in the yeare 1600 was marryed to one Walter Mansell,
of the Parish of Lillshull, and soe the famyly of the Mansells came to bee tenants of this tenement.
This Waltpr Mansell had a son, named Barthollomcw, who was Cooke many yeares to Mr. Chamhre,
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94 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
of Petton j and after the decease of Walter his father, hee marryed Dorothy, the dauber of one
Houle, of Shawbury. This Bartholomew was very serviceable to his neighbours in dressing meate
att feasts, and in slaughtering beeves and swine, all which hee did att a very reasonble rate. Hee
had ishue, a son, named Bartholomew, and two daughters, viz: Priscilla and Elinor.
Elinor Mansell was many years a servant and housekeeper to Mr. Chambre, of Petton, and was
marryed to John Dod, (borne at Estwicke or Easton, in Elsmeare Parish,) who was cheife servant or
Bayliffe to Mr. Chambre. Shee was very usefull and indeed famouse for her skill in surgery, (which
I beeleive shee leamd of her young Mistresses, the daughters of Mr Chambre,) and in that way shee
did much good in the country. Her husband and shee lived very loveingly togeather, but they
had noe child. Shee dyed not many yeares agoe, and lyes buryed in Myddle Church-yard, and her
loveing Iiusband has caused a faire Grave-stone to bee laid upon her. Wee may allmost call it a
litle monument It is ra)rsed upon stone about two feet above ground. John Dod intends to bee
buryed neare his wife, and therefore hee has left JBio, the interest to bee dealt in bread among the
pore on this part of the Parish. Priscilla married with one John George, a person blameable for
nothing that I know, but that hee was idle. His father-in-law Barthol ManstU gave him liberty
to erecte an house att the lower end of Myddle, upon a peice of ground which belongs to this tene-
ment, and there hee and his wife dyed, and left a son behinde them, named John George, who
married Ann the daughter of Thomas Pye, sometime Cooke to Sir Richard Newport, and after to my
Lord Newport, now Earle of Bradford Shee is yett liveing, butt hee is dead, and left two sons —
Thomas, who was brought up by John Dod, whom I named before; and James, who is now appren-
tice to a Carpenter. Barthollomew Mansell the 2nd, maryed first with a daughter of one Nightin-
gale of Leaton, and had two daughters by her, both which were brought up by theire kinde Uncle,
John Dod, and by him preferred in marriage, the one to a kinsman of his, named William Dod,
the other to William, the son of William Edgerley of Burleton. They are both handsome, orderly,
and modest women, and with them theire uncle gave considerable portions. This Barthollomew
marryed a second wife, whose name is Jane. Shee was daughter-in-law to one Richard Waters of
Burleton, but what her father's name was I know not. This Barthollomew was for some yeares
Bayliffeof the Manor of Myddle, in which office hee beehaved himselfe justly. Hee dyed of a drop-
sicall distemper, and left a son, named Barthollomew, which hee had by his second wife, and shee is
yett liveing.
Invidus ignorat quosdam maledicere cautos.
The Ninth Peiw on the South side of the North Isle,
This Peiw beelongs to my antient tenement in Newton on the Hill'; to Wolfs tenement in Myddle;
and to Hunt's tenement in Myddle.
Richard Gough, the first, was descended of that antient family of the Goughs of Tylley, who were
Coppyholders of about X60 per annum; hee was a lease tenant in Newton of the tenement wherein
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 95
I now dwell, and held it under that worthy famUy of the Banasters, of Hadnall. His wife's name
was Anne, butt of what family I cannot certainely say; and yett, by what I heard, I may rationally
giiesse, that shee was the daughter of one Hayward, of Aston, neare Wem, who was owner of a
coppyhold estate there, which, by marryage of a daughter of one of the Ha3n)vrards, came to the
Menloves, and is now in the possession of Margaret Menlove, widow. This Richard Gough had
ishue, two sons — Richard and Roger. This Roger had a wife, whose name was Guen, hee had a
lease under Mr. Banaster, of that tenement in Newton, which is now the Vickar Gittin's. This
Roger dyed without ishue.
Richard Gough, the second, purchased the tenement wherein I dwell, of Richard Banaster, of
HadnaU, Esq., and Peter, his son. This Richard had a wife, whose name was likewise Guen. Hee
had by her two sons — Richard and Thomas — and a daughter, named Margarett shee was married to
Richard Paine, of Eardeston, one of the eleaven townes. Hee was a good freeholder, and his heyres
continue there to this day; butt beecause I shall sometimes mention the eleaven townes, I will here
give some account of what they are ; and first, theire names are Old Ruyton, Cotton, Shelvocke, Shot-
tatton, Wykey, Eardeston, Tedsmeare, Rednall, Haughton, Sutton, Felton. These eleven towns
make up the Manor or Lordship of Ruyton, and they are an allotment in the hundred of Oswaldstre.
Butt to retume. Thomas Gough marryed a wife in Weston Lullingfield, and held a considerable
iarme there; butt his family is whoaly extinct
Richard Gough the third marryed with Elizabeth, the daughter and onely child of William Crump,
of Acton Reynold, who was tenant there to the worthy famyly of the Corbetts, of Morton Corbett
^ This William Crump was a strong and a stout man, one instance I will briefly relate. In the time
when Shrewsbury was a BaylifTe towne, (for it was not made a mayor towne untill the reigne of King
Charles I.) there was a tax imposed upon Acton Reynold, (which is in theire libertyes,) which
William Crump conceiveing toe bee a wrong one, refused to pay, and therefore the Bayliffe sent
two officers to distraine, who took two oxen of William Crump's, who, haveing notice of it, road after
them with a good cudgel, and as soon as hee overtooke them, hee knocked downe one of them, and
the other run away. And William Cnunp called to him and sayd, "Comend mee to thy masters, and
tell them if thou wast my man, the first thing I did, I would hang thee, beecause thou sawest thy
partner knockd downe and didst run away." The next day the BaylifTe sent twelve officers who
brought Crump to Goale, but Sir Andrew Corbett heareing of it, went strait to Ludlow, (which Court
was in full power at that time, and Sir Andrew was one of the Prince's Counsell there,) and brought
an order to release Crump. Not long after the BaylifTes of Shrewsbury sent two ciming tradesmen
to Crump's house, and desired to speake with him on the backside, and there they offered him four
nobles, for his false imprisonment, and desired him to take it privately, that it might not bee a bad
example to others. Butt hee told them hee was not brought to Goale in private, nor would hee
receive the money in private, butt if they would pay him in the open street, hee wouald take it As
they were paying him in the street, hee called with a loud voyce to his neighbours, and said, **Come
hyther quickly! and the people came in all hast, and hee shewed them the money, and sayd, "See
hqre, the BaylifTes of Shrewsbury have sent mee four nobles for false imprisonment — I pray bearo
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96 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
wittnesse that I have received it" This Richard Gough, the third, had cmely one son by William
Crump's daughter, named Richard Gough. Hee was the fourth of that name. His mother dyed in
child-bedd of him, and William Crump brought him up untill hee came to man's estate.
Richard Gough, the third, manyed a second wife, whose name was Anne. Shee was the widow
of one Thomas Baker, of Weston Lullingfield. Shee had a son named Thcmias Baker by her first
husband, and Richard Gough the third, had three sons by her, viz. John, Roger, and William, and
one daughter, calld Elizabeth. This Richard Gough lived to a great age, and was darke twenty
yeares beefore hee dyed, and yett was very healthful Before I speak more of the children of
Richard Gough, the third, it will not bee amisse to say somewhat of Thomas Baker, the son-in-law
of this Richard; for although hee were borne att Weston Lullingfield, yett hee was brought up and
maintained att Newton on the Hill, untill hee came to man's estate; and fix>m thence hee had that
helpe and assistance, which putt him in a way to gett an estate. This Thomas Baker was a wild
and carelesse young man, whoaly addicted to dice, and such gameing, insoemuch that when hee came
to fiill age and had received the portion which his father. Baker, left him, hee soone spent and con-
sumed it in gameing, and afterward went to bee a servant unto Mr. Andrew Chambre, of Sweeney,
near Oswaktre, where hee was imployed to gather Tjrthes. This Andrew Chambre was a sleepy drone
of a man; hee was never manyed, and his servants consumed all the profits of his estate, and putt
him alsoe into debt Thomas Baker b^;an now to beethinke himselfe that it was time to provide
somewhat for the future, and therefore hee bargained with Mr. Qiambre for the t3rthes of one towne
(I think it was Maesbury), butt Richard Gough, the third, lent the purchase nK>ney to Thomas Baker,
and had the tithes for security. But Baker had an easy purchase of it, (for as I have heard) hee
paid the purchase money out of the profitts of the tythes in two yeares. Thomas Baker afterwards
marryed with Mr. Chambre's housekeeper, and then hee became rich and covetuouse.
Cresdt amor nummi quantum ipsa pecunia cresdt.
Covetuousnesse will grow
As mudi as Riches flow,
Soone after this, Thomas Baker tooke a lease of Sweeney Hall and the demeanes beelonging to it,
of Mr. Andrew Chambre, for the life of Mr. Chambre, for this estate was to descend to the Chambres,
of Petton, after the decease of Andrew Chambre, who was now grown poore, and would say,
''formerly it was Mr. Chambre and Tom Baker, but now it is Mr. Baker and Andrew Chambre."
Misemm est meminisse tuisse felicem.
Mr. Andrew Chambre went to Petton, and was there maintained upon charity. Not long after,
my uncle, William Gough, the youngest son of my Great Grandfather, went to live with his halfe
brother, Thomas Baker, att Sweeney, and these two joined theire moneyes togeather, and tooke a
lease for three lives of Sweeney Hall and the Demeans of Mr. Chambre, of Petton, and afterward
Thomas Baker purchased the reversion. Hee still growed richer, and purchased a good farme neare
Oswaldstre called Coyd Dugon, a place very pleasantly shadowed with stately woods. Hee purchased
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 97
severall lands in Weston Riu, and many houses in Oswaldstre. Hee had, (when hee dyed,) £1000
upon a mortgage of Mr. Pope's iarme, called the Luin, near Oswaldstre. Hee had a £1000 upon
a mortgage of another farme in Sweeney, called Old Sweeney; and beesides these hee had severall
other debts owing to him. Butt —
Non domus, aut fundus, non saris acervus et auri
iEgroto Domini deduxit corpore febres.
Not house, nor land, nor heapes of gold and coin,
Can ease theire sicke and dying master's paine
This Thomas Baker gave by his last will a certaine annuall sum of money to the Parish of
Baschurch, (in which hee was borne) for the buying of bread to bee dealt amongst the poore of the
Parish upon every Lord's day in the yeare. Hee had two sons, and one daughter. His eldest son,
(whose name I have forgott,) -was a very hopefiill yong man, a comely persone, and endued with
extfaordinary good naturall parts. His father was not wanting in giveing him the best education that
could bee had, butt hee dyed before hee came to maturity.
Mors res predosas
Eripit et viles et dedignata reHaqmU-^'Cfual/rid,
The daughter's name I have likewise &)rgott, butt I think it was Anne. She was a lovely, hand-
some woman, and was marryed, (more to please her father than herselfe,) to a neighbouring gentle-
man of a good, (butt of a decaying) estate. Shee had one son by him, and then lefl him, and went
away with a Captaine, who promised to take her over into Ireland, butt hee left her att Chester.
Nulla fides pietasque viris qui castra sequuntur. — Lucan,
Shee made some shift to come to Newton from Chester, and my Great Grand-father beeing then
old and dark sighted, sent my Grand-father to Sweeney, to make up the breach, which was done by
giveing a second portion. Shee returned againe to her husband, butt dyed not long after, in the life-
time of her father, soe that Thomas Bakei^ when hee dyed, had one son liveing, whose name was
Thomas.
Thomas Baker, Jun., was noe comely person of body, nor of great parts, and litle education, butt
hee was very rich in lands, woods, money and goods.
Sint tibi divitifld sint larga et munda supellex
Esse tamen vel sic bestia magna potes.
Say thou hast wealth and goods both rare and dainty
A great beast thou may'st bee for all thy plenty.
How bee it hee marryed with a lovely gentlewoman of a masculine spirit and noe meane beauty;
I saw noe inducement that shee had to marry him, save his riches.
Nam genus et formam regina pecunia donat
M
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98 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Her name was Elizabeth, and her maiden name was Fenwicke; shee was descended of a good
famyly, and well educated. Judge Mackworth married her sister. Shee had a brother that was a
Collonell in the Parliament Army, a comely proper gentleman. Hee was somewhile Governor of a
small Garrison in the Castle att Moreton Corbett, which hee fortyfyed with a madde wall, and there
manfully withstood a sharpe assault of his enimyes. What country man hee was I Imow not, bvtt I
have heard that the name of Fenwicke is very usuall in the North of England.
This Mr. Thomas Baker (for soe I must now call him) erected a new &ire house in Sweeney, a
handsome pile of Building, the contriver's name was Baker, hee was a disbanded captaine. I have
heard Mr. Baker say it was whoaly buUt in sixteen weeks.
Mr. Baker was made a Justice of Peace in the Pailiament time, (and soe continued untill the
Restauration of King Charles II.,) and wrote himselfe Esquire. Butt it was lytle trouble to him, and
his Clarke had a faire life, and, indeed, was not fit for much businesse. I cannot tell whether hee
knew where the Bench was where the Sessions was kept, for I never saw him there.
Hee was made High Shreive of the Coimty, and kept a very noble Shreive's house. Hee bee-
haved himselfe among the Gentlemen of the County with much comendation, even to admiration.
Hee was a great patron and benefactor to all independent preachers, such as Vavaser Powell, who
commonly preached every day in the weeke. I have heard him pray and preach four houres togeather
in the dineing roome att Sweeney, where many persons came to heare him; and when the people
departed they had every one a quarter of a twopenny bun or cake, and everyone a glass of beere, of
about halfe a pint
And to say the truth of Mr. Baker hee kept good hospitalyty, and was very charitable to the
poore. Hee seldome changed his servants butt when they marryed away, and then hee sent them
nott away without a reward; butt all this was thought to bee done by the discretion of Mrs. Baker.
And now I come to the apex of Mr. Baker's dignity. Hee was chosen by the Protector to bee a
Parliament man. The other knight for this Shyre chosen alsoe by the Protector, was John Browne,
of Litle Nesse, a selfe conceited, confident person, butt one that Mr. Baker had a great respect for,
because hee favoured the Independent party. This Parliament was picked by the Protector through
the whoale kingdom, and not chosen by the fireeholders, as usuall. Itt was thought that the Protector,
chose this Parliament on purpose thatt they might make him king; butt this Parliament was too wise
to doe that, although the Protector, when hee turned them out, called them a Parliament of fooles.
They made one onely act, which was, that all persons should bee marryed by Justices of the Peace;
of which act Mr. Culpepper sayd merryly —
An act for marriages, from heaven sure sent.
The only business of one Parliament.
I have now brought Mr. Baker to his meredian; sed ad siunmum quicquid venit ad exitum prope
est. As hee increased in dignity, soe hee decreased in riches, which wasted faster than his father
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 99
gott them ; Maxima paulatim ex minimis, minima subito ex maximis. Hee had spent all the money
that his father left him, and, haveing noe child, hee b^an to consider of an heire to his estate, and
first he designed his sister's son, and to that end sent him to Oxford to leame University readeing;
butt hee proved extravagant, and gott much in debt, and profited nothing in learning, and therefore
the unde payd his debts and cast him off. When hee came home, hee marryed a wife of noe fortune,
and hardly a good name, and this alienated Mr. Baker's a&ction whoaly from him.
Quam &lso accusant siiperos staltequc quenmtur
Mortales : etenim nostronim causa malonun
Ipsi nos somas : et sua qnemque vecordia laedit — Chrysippus,
Afterwards Mr. Baker designed a son of Judge Mackworth's for his heire, butt the young man dyed
before hee came to maturity; and then Thomas Browne, the eldest son of John Browne, of Litle Nesse
(Mr. Baker's oracle), marryed with my Cozen, Mary Gough, eldest daughter of my uncle, John
Gough, of Besford, halfe brother to old Thomas Baker, and had a son by her, named Thomas
Browne, and this young man Mr. Baker made choice of to bee his heire.
I have not heard that Mr. Baker sold any lands, but hee had contracted much debt, and therefore
hee ordered some lands to bee sold after his death for the payment of debts, which was accordingly
done by Mrs. Baker, (for shee survived him.) The rest descended to my Cozen, Thomas Browne
the yonger, which was Sweeney Hall, and the demeanes, lands in Weston Rin, and houses in
Oswaldstre. It is allmost incredible how great the fortune was that TTiomas Browne the Elder had
with my cozen, Mary Gough. It is reported that shee had litle lesse than £3000, and yett hee has
sold all the lands that hee had with her in Besford, and all the lands which his father gave him in
Lide Nesse and Myllford, and yett hee and his son are not fi-ee firom debts, and those, I doubt,
considerable. When I consider all these changes and chances, I cannot butt remember that of
Seneca in Thyeste:
Nemo tarn Divos faabuit faventes
Crastinum ut posset sibi polliceri ;
Res Deus nostras celeri dtatas
Turbine versat.
And now I come to speak of the children, which my Great Grand-father Richard Gough the 3rd
had by his 2nd wife, which, as I said before, were John, Roger, and William, and a daughter named
Elizabeth. This Elizabeth was married to Michael Baugh of Clive alias Cliffe. Hee was a person of
an antient famyly there, and of a good estate. Hee was an imderstanding man, of a smooth and
ingeniouse discourse, and never blamed, as I know of, for any viciouse liveing and yett although hee
had a good portion with his wife and severall helpes from my Great Grand-father, from my Grand-
father, from my uncle Roger Gough, from my uncle William Gough of Sweeney, and from my father,
yett his estate was allwaies in a decaying condition.
Cum csepit quassata domus sucumbere, partes
In prodinatas onne recumbit onus.^ Ovid,
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100 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Michael Baugh had ishue, Thomas Baugh and severall daughters. Some of which daughters
manyed happyly and some imfortunately. Thomas Baugh's fyrst wife, was a daughter of Thomas
Spendlove of Clive, who was a crafty contriveing old fellow, a great surveyor and measurer of Lands.
(My old schoolemaster, Mr. William Sugar did usually call him, Longo limite mensor.) Thomas
Baugh had a second wife, butt I cannot say who shee was; shee lived with him butt awhile: hee
afterw^ds marryed the widow of one Bagley, of Bagley, and had a daughter by her named Mary, who
is now wife to Samuell Braine of Myddle. This Thomas Baugh had a son named Michael Baugh
who is yet liveing. Now when all the Bene&ctors of Michael Baugh and his son Thomas were dead,
they mortgaged theire lands soe deeply to Daniell Wicherley of Clive, Esq., that they were att last
constrained to take a lease for lives of part of it, and release the rest and the reversion after the lease
to Mr. Wicherley, Michael the son of Thomas holds that part which is leased for his life and then all
is gon.
Nempe dat et quodcunque libet, fortuna, rapitque ;
Inis et est sabito qui modo Crsesus erat. Ovid,
This Elizabeth Gough was borne in the yeare fifteene hundred eighty five, and it hath accidentally
happened that I have writen these few lynea of her in the eighty fift page of this booke.
John Gough the eldest son of my Great Grand-father, Richard Gough the third by hb second wife,
was a dilligent laboriouse person, and spareing aUmost to a fault. Hee marryed with Katherine
the daughter of one Hopkuis of Besford in Shawbury Parish. This Hopkins was a wealthy farmer
imder the Right honourable femily of the Corbetts of Moreton Corbett. This John Gough had a
lease of two peices of land in Brandwood in this parish, called the High Hursts. The lease was for
ninety-nine yeares determinable upon the lives of Richard his son, Mary his daughter and my life.
Hee sold this lease to Richard Nightingale of Myddle, and Nightingale sold the lease to Samuell
Formestone late of Brandwood, who exchanged the lives, and James Fewtrell now holds them, and
the lease which Samuel Formestone tooke is still in beeing. Itt is now above sixty yeares since my
imckle John Gough tooke the lease, and two of the lives are yett liveing. Butt I have heard of a
lease that was taken for 99 yeares determinable upon three lives, and that one of the lives survived
the ninety-nine years, and soe the Lease expired beefore the lives were dead. Two of the lives that
were in my uncle John Gough's lease are yett (1706) liveing; it is forty yeare since Formestone
renewed the lease.*
In the cloase of the warrs (temp Car. i,) when the King's feild Army was dispersed and most of
'his Garrisons taken. His Majesty went privately downe to Scottland, (his native country,) in hopes of
haveing assistance from his owne Countrymen, butt his hopes were disappointed, and they sent him
in nature of a prisoner to the Parliament of England who sent him to Uxbridge, and there began a
treaty with him, by theire Comissioners, which was concluded att the Isle of Wight, and the Comis-
sioners made a report of theire proceedings to the House of Commons, for there was then noe House
of Lords; the Commons had voted them uselesse, and the Army wouald not suffer them to sit, and
made an Act, that noe person that had taken armes for the King shouald come within twenty miles
of London.
•Cough's original MS.S.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. loi
An Act, and London may goe shake her eares,
She twenty miles must live from Cavaliers. — Culpepper,
When the Comissioners had made theire report to the Parliament, it was straightway putt to the
voate whether the Sling's condesensions werfe satisfactory. And was carryed in the affirmative by
noe great number of over voices; butt the Army beeing displeased att these proceedings, there was
a band of soldiers placed att the Parliament dore who keptt out all that had voated for the ELing,
the rest were suffered to goe in^ and these were called the Rump of a Parliament. This Riunp
presently brought his Majesty to a tryal, and after to an untimely end, and then made a voate that
all persons who had adhered to the King's party shouald bee proceeded against as Traytors to the
commonwealth of England. Butt here came a lytle sprinkle of mercy from them, which was, that
every such person should bee acquitted upon paying of a certaine sum of money for his composition
money. Which smns were sett downe by this Parliament and were imalterable.
Sic volo sic jubeo stat pro ratione voluntas.
And now Sir Vincent Corbett, of Moreton Corbett who had beene a loyall subject to his Majestie
and had severall times adventured his life in His Majestie's service, was putt to pay a great sume of
money for his ransom; for the rayseing whereof, hee sold severall lands in Preston Brockhurst, and
among thb rest, one very good farme, which had beene held for severall generations by the fiunyly of
the Dawsons, (gentlemen of good accompt) These lands were sold to Mr. Wingfeild of Shrewsbury,
who pulled downe the Hall wherein ould Mr. Dawson lived, and built there, a faire Hall of free-stone,
and therein his son Thomas Wingfeild, Esq., now dwelleth.
Att this time, and on this occasion. Sir Vincent Corbett sold to my uncle, John Gough of Besford,
the tenement in Besford wherein my uncle then lived and another tenement in the towne wherein
one Harrison dwelt, soe that hee had in Besford, about £50 per annum, freehold land. Butt these
lands were bought in the name of my uncle William Gough of Sweeney, for my uncle John Gough
had been in actuall armes for the King, under Sir Vincent Corbett, and hee was afraid that this
Parliament wouald, (after the great ones,) call the litle ones to account; and beeside my unde
William liveing at Sweeney, could shelter himselfe under Mr. Baker, who then beegan to bee of
some accoimt among that party, and under Judge Mack worth, who as is reported was one of
Oliver Cromwell's creatures.
Not long after this purchase, my uncle John Gough dyed; butt my aunt Katherine, survived
him. Shee was soe extreeme fatt, that shee could not goe straite foreward through some of the inward
doores in the house, butt did tume her body sidewayes ; and >ett shee would go up staires and
downe againe, and too and fro in the house and yard as nimbly, and tread as light as a gyrl of 20 or
30 years of age. This, perhaps, to some, may seem idle to speake of; but, indeed, I thought it a
very strange thing.
My uncle, John Gough, had three children — Richard, Mary, and Elizabeth. Mary was married
to Thomas, the son of John Brown, of Litle Nesse, I have spoaken of them beefore. They are both
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102 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
now liveing att Sweeney. Elizabeth was married to Mr. Richard Glover, of Measbury, neare
Oswaldstre. My uncle, Gough, gave with her certaine lands in Measbury, called Measa Cland, which
are worth between 2c and £$o per annum. Shee dyed after a few yeares, and left two children
bebinde her — ^John and Katherine. This Katherine proved a wanton, light woman, to her owne
mine, and the great disgrace of her friends. My Brother-in-law, Richard Glover, (for soe I must
now call him, beecause hee tooke my Sister to bee his second wife,) was very indulgent of his son
John, and therefore spared noe paines nor costs in his education. Hee placed him in the best
Schooles in this country, ^t hee might bee well educated in good literature, but hee profited litle.
Non caivis faominttm contingit adire Corinthum.
When his £idier tooke him from schoole, hee had a great desire to goe with his uncle,* one Mr.
Godolphin, to bee a trooper in the King's Gards ; and to that end his father furnished him with a
good horse, and all things necessary. Hee was entertained in the King's guards, and for some time
well approved of; butt afterwards hee tooke to much drinking, hee sold his horse, and spent the
money, and then came to his Other's house in the night and my sister kept him dose and sent for
a Taylor, and furnished him with a new suite and other necessaries beefore hee could adventure to
come in his father's sight And wh^i his father saw him, hee was much enraged ; though the young
man pretended his horse was dead, and that the King did usually goe soe fast in his ^ying Coach
from London to Newmarkett, that many Troopers had killed theire horses in keeping pax:e with him.
Butt within few da]rs his name came downe in the Gazet for out runing his Coulors. Then his father
cast him off ; butt my Sister sent him into Wales, to some of his father's relations, and gave him
money to beare his charges thither, and sent a man with him; butt hee went noe further than a mile
beyond Oswaldstre, and there gott into an ale house and spent his money, and the man returned
and said, hee could gett him to goe noe further. Mr. Glover had att that time a good horse, of
about Xio price^ His son takes this horse in the night, and retumes to London, and continues in
the King's Gards untill hee was forced to sell his horse for to pay ale-house scores, and then he<
came downe to my Cozen Browne, of Sweeney. It was long beefore his &ther wouald bee recoc
died to him ; butt att last hee tooke him, putt him in a very gentile habit, gave him a good horse
and sent him to Court a gentlewoman who was likely to bee a good wife for him. Butt this mate
failed : and soone after an unlucky match was made betweene him and a Sister of Mr. Lloyd's,
Montgomeryshire gentleman. My brother. Glover, gave him j£ioo per annum att marriage, an
Xioo per annum att his decease; butt some yeares after, great difference happened beetweene th
father and son, and alsoe betweene the son and his wife and mother in law. Butt in some kinc*
humour his wife's friends persuaded him to take an yearly sum to mantaine him, and to part wii
his wife ; and the annuity being too litle to supply his extravagancyes, hee lives meanely.
Si Concordes eritis valid! invictique manebitis
Contra si dissidiis et sedidone distrahemini. — Scilurus apud PiatUus :
Richard, the son of my uncle, John Gough was never maryed ; hee was an honest, just man, an
well-beeloved. When hee was somewhat past his myddle age, hee gott a distemper called th
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OP MYDDLE. I03
Scurvey ; hee tooke several medicines in hopes to cure it» butt they heightened the distemper, soe
that in one yeares' time all his teeth dropped out of his mouth, and then hee growed to have a
precipitate consumption, and dyed. His lands descended to his sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, and
theire Husbands, who fyrst sold the timber and wood, and then sold the lands, to Mr. Roger Griffiths,
a wealthy Alderman of Shrewsbury.
Roger, the second son of my Great Grand&ther, Richard Gough the third, by his second wife,
dyed without issue, and I have nothing memorable to say of him. William Gough the yoimgest son
of my Great Grandfether, by his second Wife, was the wealthyest man of our family. I have said
before that hee tooke a lease of halfe the demeans beelonging to Sweeney Hall ; hee purchased a
farme in Trevlech ; hee purchased a farme in Sweeney, called the Nant, which is rich land, and has
coale and lime stone in it ; hee purchased severall houses and lands in and about Oswaldstre and
Measebury. I have heard that hee had X500 per annum in lands and leases before hee dyed.
Hee never married untill the sixty-eighth yeare of his age, and then hee tooke to Wife Mrs. Dorothy
Griffiths, a jolly widow in Oswaldstre, shee had two daughters by a former husband — Dorothy and
Elizabeth. Dorothy marryed Roger Eavans, Esq., who had beene a Captaine in the Parliament
Army, and was a Justice of peace in the Protector's time. Hee was a discreet and prudent man, and
therefore was made Justice in the time of King Charles the second. The second Daughter of my
Aunt Goughs was married to one Captaine Griffyths, an Apothecary in Chester. Hee was first a
Captaine in the Parliament Army, and after hee was Captaine of the county troop in Cheshire.
Hee was one of die Comissioners that tryed and condempned the Right Hon, Earle of Derby for
meeting his Majestie at Worcester fight Judge Mackworth, of Betton, was Judge of that Court.
The good Earle was beeheaded att Chester, and one Captaine Sawyer, one of the tallest men in
England, and a very valiant man was condemned by this Court, and hanged. This Captaine
Griffiths was afterwards choasen a Burgess in Parliament for the Cytty of Chester, and now hee was
come to his height. "Summa cadunt subito." When King Charles the second was restored, Mr.
Griffiths was putt imder the blacke rodde. Hee escaped with life, butt his estate was utterly
ruined ; soe that my uncle mantained him, his wife, and children, butt Mr. Griffiths dyed soon after.
My imcle, William Goug^, by his last will, (which hee called his wife's will,) gave all his lands to
his wife's firiends, (except such as hee had given to my brother. Glover.) Hee left some small crumbs
of legacies in money to his delations; neverthelesse hee left £$ per Ann: for ever to the parish of
Myddle, for setting out of apprentices, and the like yearly sum for the like use, to the parish of
Oswaldstre ; and a Noble yearely to a Minister, to preach a sermon in the English tongue, in
Oswaldstre on St Stephen's day, because hee was told that hee was borne on that day ; butt I
believe itt was a mistake, for I finde by the Register that hee was baptized the 23rd of February,
and I beelieve they did not keep him above two months after hee was borne beefore they baptized
him.
My imde, William Gough, was borne A. D. - - . - - - 1588
Hee was married Anno setatis su3e (year of his age) 0068
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104 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Which was in the time of King Charles 11. , Anno Regni. - - - - 0008
Hee dyed, a. d. 1668
Hee dyed Anno aetatis suae (year of his age) 0080
And, accidently, I have written of him, in this booke *page - - - 0088
Note. — In this computation the figure 8 is written 8 times. This may cause some that pretend
to have a skill in tropomancie to say, that the number 8 was criticall to him ; butt the numerall
letters in his name shew noe such thing.
Richard Gough, the fourth, my Grandfather, was borne and brought up att Acton Reynold. Hee
was Bailiffe almost twenty yeares to Sir Andrew Corbett, that Right Worshipfiil Knight who was the
cheife Deputy Lieutenant of the County, and most comonly one of the Knights of this Shire in
Parliament, and one of his Highnesse the Prince of Wales his Counsell in the marches of Wales.
Quern genus et genius pariter virtutis et artis
Nobilitat, ver^ nobilis ille vir est.
Richard Gough, the fourth, marryed with Katherine, the daughter of Tnistan Turner, who dwelt in a
farme called the Wall, neare Adeney, in this County. Hee was a proper tall man, and shee a very
litle woman. Hee had two sons by her — Richard Gough, the fift, and William Gough, and three
daughters, Elizabeth, Joane, and Judith. This Judith was a comely woman, and accounted a great
beauty. She was taken with a palsy as shee was making of hay in Haremeare. She was lame many
years, and then dyed. Joane marryed unhappyly, and soone after dyed. Elizabeth marryed a rich
old widower in Acton Reynold, whose name was William Wakeley. Hee was a person of good
accotmt in his time Hee had one daughter by my Aunt, named Margery. Shee married with
Arthur Noneley, son of John Noneley, of Nonely, and had ishue one daughter, who marryed Henry,
the son of Arthur Hatchett, of Burleton, and had ishue one daughter named Margaret, who is yet
unmarryed. William Gough marryed with Elizabeth, the daughter of one Reynold Dicher, of Edg-
bolton, and had severall sonns by her, and a daughter, named Katherine, who was marryed to one
William Blakemoare, of High Hatton. William, the eldest son, married a daughter of my uncle,
Richard Groome, of Marton. Hee had two sonns by her who are both liveing and one daughter, all
of them unmarryed. Richard, his second son, is a tanner by trade; hee married Martha, the
daughter of. of Childs Arcoll, and has severall children by her. Hee lives in Acton Reynold,
hee was many yeares BaylifFe to my Lady Corbett, of Acton, and to Captaine Corbett, of Moreton
Corbett, but has now his quietus est, and follows his trade. My Grand&ther, Richard Gough the
fourth, was thicke of heareing for many yeares beefore hee dyed, and in his old age was taken with
a palsy, and was lame some yeares, and then dyed att Acton Reynold, and was buryed att Shawbury.
Richard Gough the fift, my father, was a man of a midle stature, very active of body, and of a
nimble strength. Hee purchased a peice of land of Sir Richard Lea, called the Whitrishes, and
added it to his Estate. Hee marryed with Dorothy, the daughter of one Richard Jenks of Cockshutt
and Crowsemeare, Her mother, Elizabeth, was daughter of John* Groome, a lease tenant of Sleap
•Cough's original MS.S.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 105
Hall, hee had alsoe a good estate of freehold lands in Sleape Town. Hee was Abavus, i. e. the Great
Grandfather's Father of Thomas Groorae, now of Sleape. This Richard Gough had ishue one son,
who writt these memoyres, and one daughter named Dorothy; shee was marryed to Andrew
Bradoke, of Cayhowell, Gentleman. This farme I have sppaken of beefore att large. Andrew
Bradoke dyed, and left a son and daughter, which both dypd without ishue. The farme is solde to
Captaine Simon Hanmer, who payes rent to my sister for part of it, which is her jointure. After the
death of Mr. Bradoke, my sister (against consent of friends,) marryed Mr. Richard Glover, of
Measbury. Shee has ishue by him a son named Ricl^d, (wbQ $pme while served as an Attorney,
and is unmarryed,) and a daughter named Dorothy. Shee is marryed to Mr. John Vaughan, of
Uuin y Groise. This couple i^hen they were marryed wpre soe yong, that they could not make
passing thirty yeares beetweene them, and yett neither of tifue ip were constrained by parents to marry,
butt they going to schoole togeather fell in love with one another, and soe majried. They live
lovingly togeather, and have many children. My i^ther dyed att jKayhowell, and lyes burried in the
Church att Kinnerley that beelongs to Kayhowell.
And now I come to speake somewhat of myselfe, who am the sixt Richard of our family. I
married Johan, the daughter of William Wood, of Peplow; hee was d^escepided of thatantient famyly
of the Woods of Muckleton. Her mother was Joyce, the daughter of Mr. John Badddey, of Eller-
ton Grange, in Staffordshire. Shee dyed att my house in Newton, and lyes burried in Myddle
ChancelL I had ishue, Richard, my eldest son, who was the seventh Richard of our famyly; butt
hee dyed beefore his middle age, and lyes burried in Myddle Chancell. Baddeley Gough, my
second son, was apprentice to Mr. Johnson, a dyer in Salop, and dyed of the small pox, and lyes
interred in St Aulkmond's Church there. William, my yongest son, is a Grocer in Salop. Hee
married Elizabeth, the daughter of Mr. Richard Hatchett, of Lee, who has a son by her named
Richard. I have omitted to say anything of two children that I had which dyed in theire childhood
I have three daughters — ^Joyce, Anne, and Dorothy. Anne is marryed to John Palin, of Baschurdi.
My deare wife dyed att Shrewsbury, where shee went to take phisicke. Shee was brought to
Myddle, and lyes burried in the Chancel imder the same stone with her mother.
Digna hsec luce diutumiorie
Nisi quod luce meliore digna
Too good to live with mee ; and I,
Not good enough with her to dye.
Another share of this ninth Peiw on the South side of the North Isle belongs to Wolph's tenement
in Myddle, now in the holding of Mr. Dale, Rector of Myddle. This is the Earl of Bridgwaters
k^d, and is one of those which they call halfe tenements in Myddle. It was formerly held by the
family of the Wolph's, which was an antient famyly in this Parish. I could name many of them; butt
since I can say nothing memorable of them imtill I come to Richard Wolph, I will begin with him.
Hee marryed Anne, the daughter of one Humphrey Parbin, of Myddle, Anno Domini, 1587. Hee
had ishue by her three sons — Richard, Thomas, and Zacharias. This Zacharias was a blacksmiyh,
N
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io6 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
and built a Smyth's shop on the side of Myddle Hill, neare the towne's end, (where now Martin
Chesheire dwells,) and there hee dyed, and was never married. Thomas Wolph was a shoemaker
in EUesmere. Hee was a good religiouse man, of a sober and discreet discourse, but hee was
somewhat tormented with a crew of Phanaticall persons in that towne, which were termed Anabap-
tists, and Dippers. The ring-leader of them was John Capper, a glover, butt I beelieve they are
now extinct in that place.
Augetur Religio Dei^quanto magis premitur. —Lactantius,
Richard, the eldest son, was tenant of this small tenement, and had a lease imder William, Earle
of Derby. Hee had two sons — Richard and Arthur, and two daughters. Elizabeth was the yongest
and I have forgott the name of the other. Richard was under cooke to Richard Hunt, servant to
Sir Richard Lea, of Langley. Hee went to London, and was ther^ received into very good services.
I mett with him in London about forty yeares agoe, and hee tooke mee to his Master's house, who
was a Scottish Lord, and lived in Lincolne's Inne Square. Hee sent for his brother Arthur, and
preferred him in service, but whether both or eyther of them bee liveing^ I know not Elizabeth
was marryed to one Edward Owen, a servant in Myddle. Arthur Owen, a taylor, who lives at
Myddle town's end next the hill, is a son by that match. After the death of Edward Owen, shee
was marryed to one Richard Clarke, of whom there is many remarkeable things to bee spoaken.
Aude aliquid brevibus gyaris et carcere dignum
Si vis esse aliqiiis.— /jrt/«w/.
Do something that deserves the gallows ,
Or gaol, at least, if thou'lt be famous.
This Richard Clarke was the son of Richard Clarke, of Myddle Wood. Hee was naturally inge-
niouse. Hee had a smooth way of flattering discourse, and was a perfect master in the art of dissem-
bling. Hee was listed for a soldier on the Parliament side in Wem, whilst hee was yett but a mere
boy. There was nothing of manhood or valor in him, and yet hee was serviceable to the officers of
that Garrison by carrying of letters to theire friends and correspondents that were in Garrisons of the
adverse party. Hee had an old ragged coate on purpose which hee would putt on, and goe as a
beggar boy. Hee carryed a short stick, such as boys call, a dog staffe. There was a hole boared in
the end of it, and there the letters were putt, and a pegge after them, and that end hee putt in the
dyrt. If hee mett with soldiers, hee would throw his sticke att birds, see that it might goe over the
hedge, and then goe over to fetch it. When hee came to the Garrison, hee wouald begg from doore
to doore, and consort himselfe with beggars imtill hee came to the place where hee was to deliver
his letter. When a maid came to the doore, hee would desyre to speak with the Master, from a
friend. When the Master came, hee would give him his sticke, and goe to deane the stable until!
the master brought his sticke, and then retume begging as beefore. After the warrs, hee marryed
a wife that lived beeyond Ellesmeare, her maiden name was Phillips. Shee was very thick of hearing,
butt yett shee was a comely woman, and had a portion in money, which Clarke quickly spent, for
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 107
hee was a very drunken fellow if hee could gett money to spend. After hee had spent his wife's
portion, hee came to Newton on the Hill, in a litle house there under Mr. Gittin's and there hee sett
up a trade of making spinning wheeles. Hee was not putt apprentice to any trade, and yett hee was
very ingeniouse in workemg att any handycraft trade. Hee had a lytle smyth's forge, in which hee
made his owne tooles, and likewise knives and other small things of iron. Hee had severall children
by his first wife. The eldest hee named Jonathan, who now lives m Wem, and is as ingeniouse
att working as his father, and as thicke of heareing as his mother. This Richard Clarke, after the
death of his first wife, marryed Anne Onslow, of Clive. Shee was descended of good parentage, and
was a comely and good humoured woman. About this time that phanaticall, selfe-conceited sort
of people called Quakers beegan to start up here and there in this country. "Nimietas plus obest
quam prodesf' This Clarke, merely out of designe, had a minde to join with these persons. Hee
went to one Gefferyes, of Stanton, (who was a topping Quaker,) who received this new proselyte very
gladly, and entertained him all night very kindly. Hee came home the next day a perfect Quaker
in appeareance, and had gott theire canting way of discourse as readyly as if hee had beene seven
years apprentice.
Cum optimis satiati sumus, varietas etiam ex vilioribus grata est. — Quinttl.
This Clarke was for a while of some repute among the Quakers, till att teist hee had borrowed
severall sums of money among them, which, when they required, hee att first gave fayre promises,
butt att last utterly refused, telling them hee was not able, and they were worse than divells if they
sued him. Upon this, att a general meeting of the Quakers, hee was excommunicated. This Clarke,
whilst hee was in favour with the Quakers, had sadly abused our Ministers with his scurrilouse
language, calling them hirelings, dumb doggs, and Baal's Priests. Hee was once bound to the
behaivour for saying the Protector was the Beast, and the Whore did ride him. When Clarke was
cast off by the Quakers, hee thought the Protestants would not receive him, and therefore hee
turned Papist, butt was not regarded by that party. This Clarke had several children by his first
wife, all which dyed while hee was a Quaker, (except his son Jonathan,) and were buryed by him in
his oarchyard. When his second wife Anne was in travell of a child, the midwife told him that the
child was dead in the womb, and unlesse it were drawne from the woman, shee would dye alsoe;
and thereupon Clarke made iron hooks in his lytle smith*s forge, according to the midwife's direction,
and therewith shee eased the woman of her burthen, and the woman recovered. Butt when shee
was with child agen, and the woman was in the same condition, hee would not suffer the midwife to
do the like, soe the woman dyed; and very quickly after hee marryed this Elizabeth, daughter of
Richard Wolph. Richard Wolph was now growne old, and his wife was dead: this Clarke, by faire
and flattering .^speeches, persuaded the old man to deliver all his estate to him, on condition of beeing
maintained while hee lived. — Fistula dulce canit volucrem dum decipit auceps. Clarke haveing now
gott an estate, followed his old way of drinking; and when hee came home drunke, hee would soe
abuse the old man, that hee made him a weary of his life; and, therefore, in a mellan coUicke fytt of
greife, hee went on foot to Wem, and bought poyson, which hee eat up as hee came homeward; and
when hee came home hee was extreame sicke, and vomitted exceedingly: hee told what hee had
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io8 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
done, and would fame have lived; but noe antidote could immediately bee had, soe hee dyed. The
Coroner's inquest foimd him a fdo dt se; and hee was buryed on Myddle Hill, att that crosseway
where the road-way from EUesmeare to Shrewsbury, called the Lower-way, goes over crosse the way
that goes from Myddle toward the Red Bull, butt was removed next night: and some say hee was
interred in a rye-feild of his owne, which is over against John Benion's, in that comer of the peice
next the place where Penbrook's gate stood. Thus ended Wolph's lease, which was one of the last
of William, Earle of Derby's leases in this Lordshipp. Thus Wolph ended his life, and Clarke lost
his estate.— Volentes fata ducunt, nolentes trahunt. — Levis est fortuna, cito reposcit quae dedit
After the death ol Richard Wolph, Mr. William HoUway, then Rector of Myddle, tooke a lease of
this tenement, and Clarke removed to Ellesmeare, where some Papists lived nigh: but they regarded
him not. However, when King James II. beegan his Reign, Clarke looked as bigge as any of the
Papists, — " Wee apples swim quoth the horse-turd."
At that tyme a limner was imployed to beautyfy the Parish church at Ellesmeare. This Clarke
went to see his worke, and said, " You doe well to leave the Church in good repaire for us ; for you
had it from us in good order." The limner (knowing him to bee a Papist,) said, *^ What, doe you
thinke the Papists must have the Church?" "Yes, I doe," sayes Clarke. Then sayes the limner,
''What doe you think shall beecome of us Protestants? Then Clarke answeared, "I hope to see
all the Protestants fry in theire owne grease beefore Michaelmas next." The limner proved these
words beefore Mr. Kinaston, of Oatley, a Justice of peace : Clarke was committed to prison, and
indicted att next Assizes, for these seditiouse words : and judgement was given against him, that hee
shouald stand on the Pillory att three markett townes, on three severall markett dayes — ^viz., att
Shrewsbury, att Ellesmeare, and att Oswaldstre. Hee was sett on the pillory at Shrewsbury : butt
the under-sheriff, (knowing how inraged the people were against him,) suffered him to stand without
fastening of his head through the penance-board.
Male regnatur dam vulgus ductat habenas.
The People, by pelting him with egges, turnips, carrotts, stones and dirt, used him soe hardly, *
that the under-sheriff tooke him downe, for fear hee should bee killed outright. The people
followed him to the Goale-door, and pelted him all the way. Hee lay some while sicke and sore
att Shrewsbury, and afler hee was brought to Ellesmeare and there putt to stand on the pillory, where
hee foimd the like favour from the imder-sheriff, and the like hard usage, or worse, from the People;
and hereupon the High Sheriff wrote a letter to the Judge, and acquainted him what hee had done,
and with all told him, that hee could promise to putt Clarke upon the pillory att Oswaldstre, butt
could not promise to bring him alive from amongst die inraged Welshmen ; and thereupon the rest
of the punishment was remitted. Clarke lay in gaol afterwards for some tyme, and dien came to
Elesmeare, where hee lived a few yeares, and then dyed. His wife sold all his tooles and household
goods, and went into Ireland ; butt shee returned very poore, and soe dyed I have mentioned
beefbre, how Mr. Hollway tooke a lease of Wolph's tenement, and, when hee dyed, hee bequeatfied
it to his son, Barnabas Hollway, who sold his tytle to Mr. Hugh Dale, who is present tenent of it
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 109
Another share of this seat beelongs to that tenement m Myddle which wee call Hunt's tenement.
It is the Earle of Bridgewater^s land, and one of diose that are accompted half-tenements in Myddle.
The tenants of it formerly were the family of the Hoddens : and I finde that one Roger Himt, of
Ufl5ngton, married Jane, the daughter of Thomas Hodden, a.d. 158 i, and soe became tenant here.
This Roger Hunt had two sons — William, who was borne 1590, and Richard, home anno Dom:
1586. William Hunt was Parish Clarke of Myddle: of him I have spoaken att large before : hee
dyed without issue. Richard Hunt was Cooke to Sir Hmnphry Lea, first att Lea Hall, and then
att Langley: This Richard Hunt was very famouse for his skill in the art of cookery, and therefore
was much imployed by the Sheriffe of this county, for dressing of theire dinners att the Assizes.
Hee had a lease of a tenement in Ruckley, perhaps given by his master: hee likewise had a lease
of this tenement in Myddle, and now it is held by lease t^ some of his famyly. As for the under-
tenants of itt, there is nothing memorable butt that one Ralph Astley, and Elizabeth, his wife, lived
many yeares in it. This Elizabeth was a midwife of very great accompt in her time. The reason
that Ralph Astley and his wife held it was this. This Elizabeth, in her youth, was servant to Sir
Richard Lea, of Lea Hall, and had a daughter by him : and Sir Richard Lea, att his decease, gave
this daughter a lease for life of a tenement in Ruckley of about 10^. per annum : and this tenement
lying neare to a tenement which Himt had a lease of, hee gave this tenement in M)^dle (which hee
then had a lease of,) in exchange for that in Ruckley for life of this daughter of Elizabeth Astley;
and so Ralph Astley and Elizabeth, his wife, came to bee tenants of it dureing the life of tliat
daughter; and now it is in lease to some of the famyly of the Himts of Ruckley.
Mr. Richard Lloyd, of Myddle, claimes some priviledge in this seate, for his tenant, who lives in
a house not long since erected on a peice of land called the Hill Leasow, butt hee has noe right
here; and it is not a Strang thing for Mr. Lloyd to impose upon his neighbours, as appeares by his
stopping of a footway over his back side, for which hee was sued and cast, and by his claiming a way
over Mr. Gittins his ground, neare Penbrooke, and cutting open the gate, for which hee was forced
to make satisfaction. But I will not contend in a small matter, but will rather take the advice of Cato.
Quae svperare potes, inteidum vince ferendo,
Maxima nam monim semper patientia Virtus.
TA€ Tenth Peiw on the South Side of the North Isle,
This beelongs to Mr. Hatchett's tenement in Newton, of which I will speake when I come to
speake of the chiefe seate beelonging to that seate which is the chiefe seate belonging to that tene-
ment. This seate beelongs likewise to Tyler's tenement in Balderton, which family of Tylers is very
antient in this parish; butt I will lay the -^ra of my discourse (concerning this famyly) with William
Tyler, u^o was Great Grandfather of this Richard Tyler now living, of whom I may say, many had
done wickedly, butt hee excelled them all. Hee was a person of a meane stature, lancke haire, and
a manly countenance; butt, for his morralls, I pray hear what aDurram;poet said of one Prior
Ralph, and you may conceive the same of this Tyler: —
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no ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
" Sus vit&, canis officio, Yolpecula fracade,
Mente tigris, passer renibus, ore lupa."
I have mentioned beefore, how this William Tyler debauched Husse}^s wife, and caused them to
part; shee went to Little Drayton, and there this Tyler visited her sometimes, and att last had a
child by her, which was commonly called Nell Hussey: when shee was growne up, and able to doe
service, Tyler tooke her to bee his housekeeper, and had a bastard by her. I need mention noe
more of his villanyes.
Ex pede Hefcalem.
This William Tyler built a new house in Balderton, and converted his old house into a bakehouse.
Hee married his onely son, Richard, to Mary, the daughter of Thomas Bradocke, purchaser of
Kayhowell; and by some way or other this William Tyler beecame indebted to Thomas Bradocke,
brother of Mary, butt neglected or refused to pay it; and thereupon Mr. Bradocke sent for a writt
for Tyler. In those times there was not such a packe of Beagles as wee have now, who make it
theire trade to serve writts; butt it was usuall to putt some stout strong person in the Shreive's
warrant, and such were called special bayliffs. Thomas Bradocke imployed Reece Wenlocke to
serve William Tyler with a writt; and Reece mett with him at Loppington Court, and quietly in
the street, hee served him with the Shreive'is warrant. Tyler, by faire words, persuaded Reece to
come to Thomas Pickering's house; and Tyler stepping into the house, shutt the doore, butt Reece
had gott his legge in, and Tyler with his knife, strooke Reece in the legge ; butt Reece beeing a
strong man, burst open the dowe, Iwoake the knife, (but cutt his owne fingers by so doeing,) hee
gott Tyler downe on the floore, and fell to beateing of him. Pickering's wife, who was Tyler's Sister,
made an outcry, and the people came out of the Court, and when they came in, Tyler £amed him-
selfe dead ; and the pec^le seeing his face and haire all bloody, with the blood of Reece's hands,
apprehended Reece and putt him under the Constable's hands and so Tyler escaped. Afterwards
Mr. Bradocke sent his tenant, William B}ron, (a little man, but stout of his hands,) to serve Tyler
with another warrant. Byron came (upcm Sunday) to Myddle Church to Morning Prayer; (for in
those days all writts and processes might bee served on the Lord's day.) \\^iam Tyler came to
Church with a good backsword by his side, which then was not usualL After Service, Byron stood
att the Church style; and as soon as Tyler was gon over the style, Byron leapt on his backe, and
east him downe. Many of Tyler's companions, and some women of his relations^ came to rescoe
Tyler ; butt the High-Constable, Mr. Hatchet, a bold and discreet man, was present, some say on
purpose, and hee quieted the people. Roger Sanndford, of Newton, (who marryed Mary Bradocke,
aunt to Mr. Bradocke,) was there, with his servants and friends, to assist Byron; and one William
Hussey, servant to Roger Sandford, came to assist Byron; and Tyler gott Husse/s thumb in his
mouth, and worryed all the flesh to the bare bone : but Hugh Suker, a weaver, standing by with a
pikestaff in his hand, putt the pikes into Tyler's mouth and renched open his teeth, and released
Hussey. Att last Tyler was sett on horsebacke, and Byron lept up beehinde him to hold him there,
and William Hussey led the horse, and thus Tyler went toward the Goale. But the consternation
and lamentation of Tyler's friends, especially the women, was such as I cannot easily demonstrate;
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. iii
butt I will, for recreation of the Reader, sett downe these verses of old Chaucer, concerning the
Fox takeing away the Cocke: —
** The silly widow and her daughters two
Heard the hennes cry and make adoe,
And oat at the door start they anon>
And saw the fox toward the woody gon,
And bare upon his backe the cocke away,
And cried out, Harow and well away,
Aha, the fox 1 and after him they ran,
And eke with staves many other man ;
Ran Coll, our dogge, Talbot, and eke Garland,
And Malkin, with her distaffe in her hand ;
Ran cow and calfe, and eke the very hoggs.
For they soe sore afraid were of the doggs.
And shouting of men and women eke ;
They ran soe, her heart thought to breake,
They yellen as fiends doe in Hell,
The ducks cried as men would them quell ;
The geese for feare flew over the trees,
Out of the hives came swarmes of bees.
So hideouse was the noyse, (ah! benedidte,)
Certes Jacke Straw ne his meiney
Ne made never shoutes halfe so shriTl,
When that they would any Fleming kill.
As that day was made upon the fox.
Of brass they blew the trumpes, and of box,
Of home and bow, of which they blew and pouped.
And therewith they shrieked and shouted.
It seemed as though Heaven should fall
At Gaulfride, dear master soveraine ;
That when the worthy King Richard was slaine
With shot, complainedst his death soe sore,
Why ne had I now thy science and thy lore,
The Friday for to chide, as did ye.
For on a Friday shortly slaine was hee;
Then would I shew you how that I could plaine.
For chanticleer's dread and for his paine."
All the company followed William Tyler out of Towne; and att the Town's end there, upon a
banke neare the pinfold, stood John Gossage and severall others of Tyler's drunken companions,
with a palefiill of ale. Gossage cryed, "Ah, Will ! art goeing to the goale?" Tyler said, " It is too
true." Then sayes Gossage, "Come, boyes; fall on!" butt Tyler cryed, "Hold, hold. It is to noe
purpose;" soe they tooke him away. When they came a little below the Lea Hall, the Miller of the
windmill mett them, carrying a sword on his shoulder, with the hilt beehinde him; Tyler putt his
hand in the hilt of the sword and drew it out, 4nd strooke att Hussey; but Byron soone pitched him
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112 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
bceside the horse, and tooke the sword from him. Byron would not give the Sword to the miller;
and Hussey carryed the naked sword in his hand, and led the horse; and soe Tyler was brought to
to goale.
Maxima regna
Luxuries vitiiques odiique superbia vertit
This William Tyler gave his tenement in Balderton to his son Richard, and went to Houlston,
where hee lived some time as a tenant to Sir Francis Edwards, and afterwards removed to Weston
Lullingfield, and lived in a tenement under John Nonely, of Nonely; but when Nonely came for his
rent, Tyler, knowing him to bee a quiet peaceable man, beegan to curse and sweare and call him
rogue, and swore hee would bee the death of him, if hee came upon his ground; and told him, hee
had taken the tenement for three yeares, if hee lived soe long, and swore hee would pay no rent till
hee saw whether hee should live soe long. Nonely knew not what to doe, it being in the heate of
the warrs; but honely imployed freinds to confound with Tyler to bee gon; and Nonely forgave him
what rent was beehinde, and gave him loil for the come of the ground, and for planting and graffeing
some fruite trees, in which worke Tyler was very skillfull and tooke much delight Tyler removed
to a place called Sherd Oake, and lived in a tenement imder Mr. Francis Finch. Tyler lived there
many yeares, dureing which time his son Richard dyed.
"V^^lliam Tyler lived to a very great age; and when hee had wasted most of his Estate, hee came
backe to Balderton, and lived in the old house, which was then made use of for a bakehouse. Hee
had a lytle flocke of sheep, which hee kept on the commons : his employment was to walke among
his sheep, with a shepherd's crooke in his hand, and if hee saw a fat wether of his neighbour's, hee
would catch him with his crooke, and carry him home and slauter him for himselfe. Hee had beene
accustomed to stealeing all his lifetime, and could not forbeare in his old age.
* Quo seme! est induta recens servabit odorem •
Testa diu" Horace,
Att this time Tyler was detected stealing a fatt weather of my father's, and one of Richard Eaton's
of Myddle, for which they indicted him att the Country Sessions, butt his Grandchild Thomas Tyler
beeing the cheife wittnesse, the Jury conceived it maliciouse, and blamed him for offering to hang his
Grandfather; and soe old Tyler was acquitted. Not long after, William Tyler dyed att Balderton,
and had hardly estate left sufficient to defray the charges of a meane fimerall.
William Tyler had a son namedJlichard, and two daughters — ^Elizabeth and Anne. This Anne was
married to Richard Cleaton, of whom I have spoaken beefbre. Shee dyed att Allen Challoner's, in
Myddle ; and was buryed without any service or ceremony, (according to those times.) All the
' speech which was made att her grave, was severall sad curses which her father gave against those that
had brought her to her end.
Elizabeth was marryed to William Bickley of Brandwood, of him I hope to speake hereafter.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 113
Shee was accounted a lewd woman, and had severall daughters who had noe better a repute. Shee
dyed att Myddle, and her daughter Susan with her, att what time there was a rageing fever in that
towne. Richard the son of William Tyler marryed with Maiy Bradock, as I said beefore. Hee was
an handsome lytle man and very different from his father in his morralls; hee was peaceable and
well reputed among his neighbours, hee dyed about his middle age, and many years beefore his father.
His widow was soone after marryed to one Robert Morrall, of Hopton; a strong robusteouse
person of a rude bawling carriage. Old William Tyler was his utter enimy, and often threatenad to
bee his death, butt Morrall was too hard for him. They met accidently at a stile in Houlston, and
discoiurseing fnendly, they sate downe on each side of the stile; butt Tyler haveing an halter in his
hand, cast itt about Morrall's necke and drew him over the stile, and was likely to have hanged him:
butt Morrall by his strength and agility freed himselfe, and did not forbeare to beate Tyler severely.
Robert Morrall removed from Balderton to Hopton, near Hodnett
Richard Tyler left beehinde him two sons, Thomas and Richard; and a daughter named Mary. —
I cannot say for certaine, butt I thinke Mary was marryed unto one Anchors of Hodnett, who kept
a little mercer's shoppe. Richard was gogle-eyed and short sighted, I knew him when I was att
schoole, but have not scene him since. Thomas the eldest son marryed with Joane the daughter of
Roger Gough, of Forton, near Montford Bridge. This Thomas did imitate his Grandfather's morralls,
and not his father's : and I beelieve had hee lived, hee would have beene worse than ever his
Grandfather was: butt hee lived not halfe his days, for about the 27th yeare of his age hee was
killed with a cart, at a place called Double gates, which is beetween Balderton and Newton. His
widow afterward marryed with Arthur, the eldest son of Rowland Plungin. This Arthur and his
wife, are both liveing att the end of Balderton, in a l3rtle house which was built of part of Tyler's
old house.
Thomas Tyler had ishue, one son named Richard, and two daughters, Elinor and Sarah, all of
them very young att his decease.
Bed tandem fit surculus arbor.
Sarah, as shee said, (and some beelieved,) was marryed to Robert Outram, a Stranger who was a
journeyman joiner in Shrewsbury, where shee then lived in service. When shee was found to bee
with child, her master turned her away, and shee and Outram came to Balderton and dwelt with
her Father-in-law untill shee was brought a bedd; and afterwards, hee pretended that hee would goe
againe to Shrewsbury to worke joiuney worke, and would take a chamber and send for his wife.
Hee bought a hundred, or half a hundred of cheese of Richard Tyler, brother to Sarah, and borrowed
his horse to carry them to Shrewsbury; and beecause the way was foule, hee borrowed Tyler's boots,
and borrowed a pair of spurrs and a bridle of Mr. Robert Hayward. Hee went to Shrewsbury and
sold the Cheese there and went away with the horse, and neither they nor I ever heard of him after.
Not long after, Sarah went to service againe in Shrewsbury, and married a Soldier who stayd not
long with her. But when shee was found to bee with child, the Parish officer came to her to know
who was father to her child; ancl shee declared that shee was married to a Soldier that was gon, and
0
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114 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
that Mr. Clarke, parson of Fitz, did marry them att a place called the Bull in the Bame, which is att
the end of Frankwell, one of the Suburbs of Shrewsbury. Clarke was dted to Lichfield, and the
thing beeing made apparent, Clarke was suspended for three yeares, which hadd almost ruined
him: but I hope hee will take better care for the future.
Sed stultus damno vix sapit inde soo.
Elinor, the eldest daughter of Thomas Tyler, was marryed to one Foster, an ale seller; and they
both are liveing att a place called the Red Bull, neare Broughton. Richard, the son of Thomas
Tyler, married with Martha, the daughter of one Francis Smyth, of Balderton, and has many chil-
dren by her. They are both liveing, and are tenants to Richard Hatchett, of a tenement in
Newton; which hee holds by lease under the Earle of Bridgewater.
Gaudet me pessima trans^isse sioe gaudio, ne de me didtur, ut quondam, Horatius,
Cum tua pervideas, oculis mala, Uppus, inunctis,
Cur in amicorum vitiis tarn cernis acutum.
Tke Eleaventh Pekv on the South side of the North Isle
Beelongs to Mr. Muckleston's tenement in Alderton, and to Guesf s tenement in Myddle.
I will speake of Mr. Muckleston's tenement hereafter when I come to the cheif seat beelonging to
it; butt it is to bee noted that this tenement did formerly beelong to the Downetons of Alderton,
and that there was a space of vacant ground in the Church, a little above the font; and William
Downton, and one Thomas Guest, did request the Minister and Wardens that they might erect a
seat there, which was granted : and the grant was entered in the Parish Register, to which I refer
myselfe.
Guest's tenement is the Earie of Bridgewater's land ; the house was built by George Watson,
Bayliflfe of this Manner. Hee incloased severall pei^es out of the common Moores, and out of the
common, called Divlin Woqd ; and soe made a small tenement about tlie house : but I think hee
had made noe outhouses beefore his untimely death, for hee was drowned att Haremeare.
After the death of Watson, one Thomas Guest tooke a lease of thfa tenement I have nothing to
mention of him, butt that hee procured leave to erect this seate, beecause this beeing a new house,
noe seate did beelong to it ; and, that by his wife Margaret hee had two sons, Ralph and Richard
This Richard was a Taylor,* and lived in Markett Drayton; hee had a son who was a barber, and
did live, and perhaps does still live in Drayton. Hee had alsoe a daughter named Mary, who was a
servant to Sir Henry Vernon, of Hodnett His only son, Mr. Thomas Vernon, was over familier
with her, and had a child or more by her. Sir Henry Vernon had onely a son and a daughter;
his daughter was married to Mr. Cholmley of Tale Royall, and his son soone after marryed with Mr,
Cholmley's sister, a beautiful and well accomplished lady. There was great feasting and joy att the
solempnization of this marriage; butt all was quashed on a suddaine, for Moll Guest openly declared
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 115
that shee was married to Mr. Thomas Vemon, and severall children shee had borne him, and soone
after, a suite was comenced in the consistory Court att Lichfield, in causa matrimonii, which came
to Comission to examine witnesses. The Comission was executed in the Parish Church of Elles-
meare, where old Canon Comins of Preece, was Comissioner for Moll Guest, and Dr. Powell, the
Rector of Hodnett was Comissioner for Mr. Vemon; some say that the evidence for the marriage
was too aparent, and that Sir Henry Vemon returned firom Ellesmeare in great greife and discontent;
but this I know, that hee soon after dyed. Soone after the death of Sir Henry, his son Sir Thomas
made an agreement with Madam Guest, (for soe people called her) and gave her an yearely salary
or anuity and soe shee went to London, and (for ought I know) is yett liveing, (1701.)
Ralph, the eldest son of Thomas Guest, was a sober peaceable man; his imployment was buying
come in one markett towne, and selling it in another which is called Badgeing. His wife's name was
Anne, shee was a decent housekeeper. They lived lovemgly, and in good repute. Hee had a son
named Richard, who succeeded him as tenant of this small tenement, who marryed with Hannah,
the daughter of one Thomas of Burleton. Hee dyed some yeares past< and his widow is
marryed to Francis Watson, of Myddlewood; what children Ralph Guest had beside Richard, and
what children Richard left beehind him, I can give no perfect accompt of.
The Twelvth Peiw on the South side of the North Isle,
Was a supernumerary ^eiw at the imiforming of the seates, and noe man could claime any right
to it Butt Margaret, the daughter of Allen Chaloner, of Myddle, a blacksmith, did usually sitt in
it; and now, Thomas Heighway, her husband, daimes a right to it. Butt hee has another kneeling
beeside this, and it is not likely, that hee beeing a Cottager and paying but a 6^. leawan, should have
one whoale Peiw and a kneeling in another Peiw. Thomas Highway did usually give liberty to
other Cottagers to sitt in this seate, on condition they should pay him money yearely for such liberty.
This was a thing never done in this Parish before, and therefore Highway was blamed for doeing
wrong to the Parish.
There was one Francis Davis, son of Thomas Davis, of Marton, to whom his father gave a lease
which hee had, of a peice of land, neare Myddle Wood, which peice was called Clare's Lesow.
Francis Davis erected an house upon it, and divided it into severall peices, and made a small tene-
ment of it Hee complained to the Churchwardens that hee payd a 4//. leawan, and had noe seate
in Church ; and thereupon Richard Eaton, then warden, placed him in this seate. Highway com-
plained of it, butt had noe reliefe by the Parish; att last. Highway and Davies agreed that Davis
should have one kneeling in this seate, and that neither of them should give liberty to any other to
sitt in that Peiw without consent of the Parish. Butt Highway does not keep his word in this.
Non pot-eris rectum curvis deducere cursum.
This Francis Davis was a rich man, and served many offices in the Parish; and although hee had
two or three wives, yett hee dyed without ishue Hee left his lytle tenement to his nephew, Thomas
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ii6 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Davis, of Newton, who now lives in it Hee left his personal estate among his poore relations, who
quickly spent it
Quis similis Cribro prodigus omnis homo. — Curtius
The TTtirteenth Paw on the South side of the North Isle bedongs whoaly to Freman^s Tenement
in Morton.
About 40 yeares past, Thomas Freeman, a younger brother of the family of the Freemans of Ham-
bridge came into this Parish and marryed Elizabeth the Eldest daughter of my uncle Richard Groom
of Marton, who gave him halfe his farme or tenement in Marton diuing his Lease. This Thomas
Freeman was a person slow of speach, provident, and laboriouse, yett delighted much in bargaineing
and more in building. Hee purchased halfe that land that beelonged to Wright's tenement in Mar-
ton and for the rayseing of money to pay for it, hee sould his part of my uncle Richard Groome's
farme to Richard, son of John Groome of Sleap, who had married the yoxmgest daughter of my uncle
Richard Groome of Marton. Thomas Freeman built an house upon the Land which hee purchased
of Wright and gave it att marriage to his Son Richard Freeman. Whilst Thomas Wright lived this
Richard Freeman did usually sitt in that Peiw which beelongs to Wright's Tenement without inter-
ruption. Butt when Thomas Wright was dead, his widow and his eldest son Joseph beeing crosse,
litigious persons, would not permitt Richard Freeman to sitt in that Seate, and hee beeing a peace-
able man desired of the Parish that hee might have liberty to erect a Seate for himselfe in some
vacant place in the Church and it was condescended to by the Minister, Church and Parish Officers,
and severaU of the Parishioners, that hee should att his owne charges, remove the Font to the place
where it now stands neare the North doore, and should erect a seate for him and his Family in the
place where the Font then stood. All this was done accordingly, and this is the 13th Seate on the
South side of the North Isle and stands opposite to the North dore. This Richard Freeman dyed
of the Smallpox about the 40th yeare of his age. Hee was a peaceable, honest man and left a good
name beehinde him.
virtus post funera vivit.
The pretiouse memory of the just.
Smells sweet and blossoms m the dust
Seats adjoineing to the South Isle,
The first Peiw on the North side of the South Isle belongs to Broomhurst farme. This is the Earle
of Bridgwater's Land It was formerly in lease to William Nicholas and after to Mr. Chambre of
Petton. And about 20 yeares past Mr. George Chambre of Loppington, tooke a lease of it and
built an house upon it And when hee dyed gave it to his eldest daughter, Mrs. Mary Chambre,
but charged it with payment of debts. This Mrs. Mary Chambre was married to one WiDiam Heath
(or William of Heath as hee was called in his owne country for hee was a Staffordshire man.) This
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 117
William Heath much improved this farme and inlarged the buildings, butt tooke noe care to pay
the debts that were charged upon it; butt sought rather to avoyd and delay the payment thereof by
subtell trickes and slights in Law which proved soe chargeable to him that he was forced to sell his
lease of this &rme and leave his coimtry. When hee was gon all his personall estate was seised
upon by Creditors, and hee found by experience what others may leame by his example that
" Jostitia in sese virtutem continet omxitm^^ArisMU,
Butt as concerning this Seate it is to bee observed that the place where it stands was voyd ground
(beefore the Church was uniformed with Waine Scott Seates) and was part of the Isle that went over
crosse the higher end of the Church and the Parish Chest stood in this place; butt when the Church
Seates were uniformed, the Parish chest was put in the Schoole house and a Peiw was erected in
this place and another below it, both which were erected on the Crosse Isle. And att a generall
Parish Meeting, Anno Dmi. 1658, this Peiw was allotted to Mr. Gittins of Myddle, and the Seate or
Peiw below it was allotted to George Reve, Richd. Nightingale and Samuell Formeston (Butt I doe
not remember that Reve or any of the other two did make use of the Second seate; but Mr. Gittins
did some while sitt in the first seate). Not long after this meeting Robert Ames was Churchwarden
and when hee had caused the Parish Agreement to bee tome out of the Chiwch booke hee puUd
downe this first Peiw and putt the Parish Chest there, and Mr. Gittins entered upon the Second
Peiw, and hee and his family have used it ever since. And this usage of the Second Seate is all the
Tytle that Mr. Gittins has to it When William Heath came to dwell at Broomhurst farm there was
no seate in Myddle Church beelonging to this new built house. And therefore hee procured an
order fi-om the Court att Litchfield to erect a seate in this vacant place which hee did accordingly,
and the Parish Chest was removed to the lower end of the Church. William Heath beefore hee
went away sold his lease of Broomehurst farme to Thomas Bayley of Preston Brockhurst, a person
descended of good, honest parentage. Hee marryed with Anne the daughter of George Beacall, of
Burleton. Thomas Bayley is now tenant of this farme to the Earle of Bridgwater, and John Bicker-
ton, a Cheshire man, is his subtenant
*• Quo fata trahunt, retrahunt que, sequamur. — Virgil,
The Third Pdw on the North side of the South Isle belongs whoaly to the Castle farme in Myddle,
I have mentioned before that Sir Roger Kynaston was Castle Keeper of Myddle Castle, and had
a lease of this farme in the time of the Earles of Derby. And that his yoimgest Son Humphrey
dwelt in the Castle after him, and as it is reported was the last inhabitant of Myddle Castle, beecause
hee suffered it to goe to mine. I finde that after Hmnphrey Kinaston, one Richard Moore was
tenant of this &rme and BaylifTe of the Manor of Myddle, and it may be reasonably supposed that
hee built the farme house.
After Mr. Richard Moore, one Mr. Morgan ap Robert was tenant of this farme, and BaylifTe of
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ii8 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
the Manor of Myddle, and was commonly calld Bayly Morgan. Hee had noe child and therefore
hee adopted a yomig kinswoman of his (whose name was Alice) to bee his heiresse. In Bayly Mor-
gan's time Richard Gittins, a wealthy tradesman's Son of Shrewsbury, came to dwell in Myddle, and
tooke a lease under the Earle of Derby of that tenement in Myddle, wherein Thomas Moore now
dwells, and is commonly called the Eagle farme. This Richard Gittins was rich in money and pur-
chased of Mr. Banister of Hadnall, a tenement in Newton on the Hill. Hee alsoe piu-chased
Mathews his tenement in Myddle, calld the house att the higher well, and alsoe lands in Houlston,
which formerly did beelong to one Tong — ^but where this Tong lived I have not heard. There was
one Thomas Tong who about this time was Rector of Myddle. There was another person att that
time in Myddle named Tong, and another in Marton; and there was then one Tong who was Lord
of Weston Lullingfield, who had lands in Cockshutt and Crowsmeare and in severall other places.
Butt hee sold them all and it is likely that Mr. Gittins bought this in Houlston of this Tong of
Weston.
Richard Gittins had 3 sons— Richard Gittins the second of that name in Myddle — Ralph and
William— of this William I cannot give much account I finde there was one William Gittins, a
tanner in Shrewsbury, and perhaps this was the same person. Ralph was brought up a scoller, and
indeed his naturall Genius inclined him thereunto, and by his dilligent study and reserved life hee
was very eminent in his time. Hee was somewhile High Schoolmaster of the Free Scooles in
Shrewsbury. But how hee lost his place I cannot tell unlesse it were for adhering to the King's
party (tempore Cari. primi), Hee had a naturall facility to poetry. His verses were commonly
rithming verses such as the Monks used to write. And these usually came from him extempore.
I have heard many of them but I will one repeate, that which by many good Schollers (butt not soe
good Gramaryans as himselfe) was blamed for incongruouse Latine.
"Qiusque coquum ante focum detis habere locum"
which hee Englished thus —
Who ever looke to grant the Cooke
Becfore the Fyre to have a nooke.
Butt I cannot omitt the Epitaph which hee made on Sir John Bridgman (mistaking his name to
bee Bridgemoone) who was Lord President of his Highnesse the Prince of Wales' his Court att Lud-
low. This Sir John Bridgman was a very seveare man and would committ persons for small falts to
Porter Lodge which was the prison proper for that Court, and his usuall saying was (to the keeper
of Porter's Lodge) Sirrah take him away. Whether Ralph Gittins had met with such dealeing from
him I cannot tell, butt when hee was dead Ralph Gittins made this Epitaph —
Jam jacet argilld Pons Lunse conditus ill&
Sirah Satan Dominus dixit hoc aufer onus —
which hee Englished thus :
Here lyes Sir John Bridgmoone clad in this clay,
God said to the Divell, Sirrah take him away.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 119
This Ralph Gittins dyed att Myddle, and was buried in Myddle Church among the famfly of the
Gittinses^ att the upper end of the South Isle. When William Heath was about to erect his Seat
there, hee was opposed by William Gittins untill hee had granted liberty for the Gittinses to burry
in that place and Seate.
Richard Gittins the second, marryed with Alice, the Kinswoman and adopted Child ^of Mr.
Morgan ap Robert, Tenant of the Castle farme of Myddle. And soe the famfly of the Gittinses
came to be tenants of this farme. This Richard the second was a mild and peaceable man, very
charitable and soe willing to forgive injuryes that hee passed by many without seeming to take notice
of them. Hee had 2 Sons — Richard who was the third of that name — ^and Daniell and a daughter
whose name I thinke was Mary. Shee was marryed to Mr. Richard Win of Pentre Morgan, a
gentleman of an Ancient and good family and great repute in the Coimtry. Daniell was a Merchant
Taylor in London. I never heard that hee was marryed or that hee made any great figure in the
World. Richard Gittins the 3rd, marryed with Margery the daughter of Francis Peplow, a wealthy
fanner in Fenemeare — ^Tenant to Sir Richard Newport, father of the now Earle of Bradford. This
Richard the 3rd was of good account in his time but hee was too sociable and kinde hearted: and
by strikeing hands in suretyship, hee much dampnifyed himselfe and family, Hee did not at all
derogate from the charitable, meeke and comendable moralls of his father.
Conveniens homini est, hominem servare voluptas,
£t melius mill& quaeritur ante favor. Outddtponto^ lib 2,
Hee was somewhat faire of complection and his wife was very blacke (our English proverbe says
thata blacke woman is a pearle in a faire man's eye.) Hee had 7 children, 5 of them were of his
complexion and those are all dead.
Richard the eldest and the 4th d* that name and was a good country-scoller, and had a strong and
allmost miraculouse niemory. Hee was a very religiouse person butt hee was too talkative. Hee
dyed immarryed and his death was somewhat sudden and surpriseing. Hee served on the Grand
Jury for this Coimty of Salop: and amongst others I was one of his partners. And when the Grand
Jury was discharged I came home that night and left him in good health. Hee entended to stay
with some freinds untill next day, butt as hee was walkeing with some freinds under the Market Hall
in Shrewsbury, that evening, hee was suddainely taken with an appoplecque fitt or some other dis-
temp (what pleased God) which tooke not away his speach for hee cryed out suddenly (not sudden
death Good Lord). Hee was had into an house hard by and lay on a bedd. Mr. Arthur Hatchett
of Burleton beeing then in towne went to visit him, who tould mee that hee never heard more
devout prayers, nor more Heavenly expressions come from any man. Hee died that night and was
buried att Myddle among his Ancestors. Daniell the second Son of Richard the 3rd succeeded
his Brother as heire to the fireehold lands of the Gittenses. Hee dyed unmarryed when hee had sur-
vived his Brother about one yeare. And soe the lands descended to Thomas the 3rd Son, who
then was and now (1701) is Vicar of Loppington. Hee marryed Sarah the daughter of John Downe-
ton of Nonely, and has Ishue by her, Thomas and Mary, who is yet unmarryed. Thomas the Son
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120 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLK.
of Vicar Gittins, married Mary the daughter of John Nonely, of Nonely. They are both liveing and
doe dwell in Myddle, in that house which is called the House att the Higher Well. The Bame and
house that stood here some yeares past was burnt, and it was no lesse than a miracle that in soe vio-
lent a fury of fire the House of John Eaton, which was on the other side the street and not above 20
yards distant was preserved, and that Mr. William Gittins his house, which was above 200 yards
distant, tooke fire and was burnt downe and all the buildings beelonging to it except the Backhouse.
And that the Parish Church of Myddle which stood partly betweene the two houses was preserved.
Ipsa dies*quandoque parens, qoandoqne noverca est. ffesiod.
The fourth and fift sons of Richard Gittins the third were twins (viz.) Ralph and Nathaniell —
Ralph dyed beefore hee came to maturity. Nathaniell was brought up att Oxford, and was after-
wards Vicar of EUesmere where hee was much loved of his parishioners. Hee marryed with a
daughter of Mr. Roger Gk)ugh's of the Marsh. Hee dyed at Ellesmeare and left behinde him a son
named Nathaniell, who is now a Captaine under our graciouse King William the Third. William
the First and youngest Son of Richard the Third is now Tenant of the Castle farme. Hee married
witii Sarah the daughter of Francis Hill of Withyford, formerly tenant of Bilknarsh farme as I
said before. The eldest son of this William is Richard the fift of that name in Myddle. Hee is my
Godson. I pray God give him his blessing, and grant that by him the name and family of the
Gittinses may bee propagated in the Parish. Richard Gittins the 3rd had one daughter named
Mary. Shee was a person of a comely coimtenance but some what crooked of Boddy. Shee was
a modest and religiouse woman and dyed unmarryed.
Vive Deo gratus, tot mundo tumulatus
Crimine mundatus, Semper transire paratus.
The fourth Paw on the North side of the South Isle.
This belongs whoaly to Webscot farme (the first Pyller stands in this Seate.) This farme is in
Balderton Towneship, butt there is a small cheife rent due to the Earle of Bridgwater for this farme.
It was formerly the estate of that ancient and worthy family of the Thomses of Shelvoke. Thomas
Thomes, Esq., the last of that family (for the family is extinct) sold it to Mr. Thomas Price who
marryed his Sister and is now owner of it. As for the Tenant of this farme I finde that one Godfiy
Thomas was tenant of it, who it is likely was a younger Brother of the family of Shelvoke. And
after him Mr. Thomas Hoskins (who had a good estate in lands and houses in Ruyton) was tenant
here. Butt I must not forgett that there were formerly two dwelling houses upon this farme — the
one called the Higher Webscctt where this Mr. Hoskins dwelt, and the other the Lower Webscott
where one Twisse dwelt. This Twisse was a rich man and had noe child. His first wife dyed when
hee was an old man, and yett hee marryed againe with his servant maid, a wanton gadding dame,
who had neither goods nor good name. Shee was commonly calld Besse Benion. This Twisse
removed firom Webscott to Eaton in Baschurch Parish, where one Peter Braine (an excellent Beast
Leech) beecame very familar with this Besse Benion (for soe shee was alwaies calld.) Att last shee
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 121
had a son who was named Francis. Hee was very like Braine, butt Twisse was very fond of him.
Afterwards Brain's wife dyed and hee marryed agen with a rich widow in that Towne, which soe
enraged Besse Benion that phee swoare the death of her and sayd that Braine had promised to marry
her when old Twisse was dead. Braine's wife beeing afraid of her life procured a warrant for her
and brought her beefore Sir Edward Kinaston and his fellow Justice att a monthly meeting. Old
Twisse came with his wife butt was soe weake and old that hee could not stand before the gentle-
tlemen, and therefore they caused a chaire brought for him to sitt downe. When the complaint was
proved against his wife hee beggd severall times that what punishment his wife deserved might bee
laid upon him which caused much laughter amongst the Gentlemen and the company, and Besse was
acquitted.
Sponte fer uxoris vidum, vd tolle ooactus :
Si fers tu melior, sm tollis, forte fit ipsa
Comodior — — -
After Twisse had left the Lower Webscott, one Robert Orred came thither and sojild ale. That
time there was a fall of Timber in Myddle Parke, and that merry Parson, Mr. Bing, was then Curate
to Mr. Moore, at Myddle, and hee gave it the name of Robins Rowst, which name it carryed untill
William Higginson pulld it downe and brought it to the Higher Webscott
Mr. Thomas Hoskins or Hodgkins had a son named Thomas and a daughter who was named
Elizabeth. I have heard that shee was Second wife to Bayley Downton, and that Thomas her
Brother married a sister of Bayley Downtons. Thomas the son was well educated — hee was a good
father and a good farmer, a good Clarke, and a good companion, and that marred all Hee spent
his Estate faster than his Ancestors gott itt, and tooke noe care to leave somewhat to mamtain him
m his old age. Butt was kept on charity by his Son in Law, Mr. Edward Tong. This Mr. Hodgkins
when his fyrst wife was dead marryed with a rich widow in Newton. Shee was widow to Roger
Langford. Shee had a farme there of 30 poimd for her life. Shee was rich in cattle, com^, and
goods. Mr. Hodgkins as soone as hee had marryed this widow sold his lease of Webscott to Mr.
Thomes, and in few yeares he spent all the estate that Mr. Sandford had ; hee sold the title of the
lease and all the household goods even to the Wainscott. Hee went to his son-in-law, Tonge, and
shee poore woman went to live in the Lodge, on Haremeare Heath, and had nothing to maintaine
herselfe butt what neighbours sent ; and thus shee that was descended of good Parentage beeing
Sister to Mr. Thomas Bradoke, purchaser of Kayhowell, shee that had lived in a plentifull condition
in her first Husband's time, shee who maintained the best Hospitality and good housekeeping of
anyone in Myddle Parish ; shee I say dyed in a poore cottage in great poverty and want, if not for
want
Didque beatus
Ante obitum nemo, postremaque fimera possit.
This Mr. Hodgkins made it his practice to goe to the alehouse dayley, and when hee came Home
drunke hee could goe as well as when hee was sober; but hee could not speake as others might
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122 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
understand him and att ladt hee had gott an habite of mashing (?) att all times, soe that when hee
was sober a man could hardly understand him. Hee had two children, a son named Thomas, a
pretty gentiU, handsome man. Hee marryed a widow beyond Shrewsbury who maineteined him
handsomely. And a daughter who was married to Edward Tong, an Attorney in Shrewsbury, who
mainteined him when hee had spent his Estate. After Mr. Hodgkins> John Downton son of John
Downton by his second wife was tenant of thk daime for some yeares, and after him
Richard Nightingale untill hee had married Alice Fletcher kinswoman of John lioyd of Myddle (as
I said beefore.) After him William Higinson a painefull labc»iouse man and a good husband, tooke
a lease of it att an easy racke rent for 3 lives, but after his death his son John proved not soe good
an husband as his &ther; and haveing contracted some debt hee sold his lease to the Landlord Mr.
Price, who repaired it and sett it for 3 yeares to William Jenks of Stockett, and now one Ralph
Vaughan is tenant.
7 he fifth Pdw on the North side of the South Isle.
This beelongs to that Tenement in Balderton which is the Ancient Inheritance of the Haywards.
And to that messuage in Alderton which Rowland Muckleston lately purchased of Thcxnas Downton,
and to Braine's Tenement in Myddle, of which family I have spoken formerly. Ha3nfeard'8 tenement
did formerly belong to the Abby of Lilshull, and was by the Abbot sold long before the disolution
of the Abbeys in England — Reserveing about 12 or £14 per an: cheife Rent and optimum animal
for an Herriot att every prindpaU tenants decease. I finde that the family of the Haywards is very
Ancient in this Parish, and that John Hayward and Roger his son were both buryed on the same
day (viz.) Ap: 7th, 1578. Thomas succeeded them (I believe hee was the son of Roger.) Hee
marryed with Susanna the daughter of one Somerfeild of High Hatton, alias Hatton Hineheath, a
wealthy Tenant of the Corbetts of Morton Corbett. Hee had ishue by her, Thomas the second
of that name, Henry and Richard and t^o daughters, Margaret and Mary. The yongest was mar-
ryed to one John Moody a faire conditioned honest man; butt hee was kept under the hatches by
debts that lay heavy upon him. Margaret was married to David Higley. Hee was a good husband
by fitts. What hee got with hard labor hee spent idely in the Alehouse. A rude person and fitt
company for Bearewards and such like persons. Hee lived att Parkegate neare Cockshutt
Richard Hayward when hee was a boy desired to bee a Cooke. His indulgent father putt him to
serve Richard Hunt, an able Cooke Servant to Sir Humphrey Lea, of Langley, who kept a noble
house. In this family Richard Hayward served 7 yeares as a Schollion boy, and 7 yeares as Master
Cooke, and then went to London where by the assistance of Mr. Walter Bromley (the Cooke to his
Majesty King Charles the first,) hee was preferred to the Service of Dr. Juxton, then Bishop rtf
London, and Lord Treasurer of England Butt when the Parliament had gott the upper hand of the
King all Bishops were displaced, and the Bishop of London betooke him^elfe to his pad nag and
went to Lambeth, his patemall estate, and discharged most of his Servants, and Cooke Hayward
amongst the test, who att his departure begged his Master's advice whether hee might doe well to
goe and serve Mr. William Peirpoint, a Parliament man, to whom the Bishop answeared, I will
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 123
comend you to him as the best of Pariiament men. Cook Hayward imedktely goes to Mr. Peirepoint
and tould that hee heard that hee wanted a Cooke, and that hee was comended to his service by
his Lord and Master Bishop Juxon, whom hee had served many yeares. Mr. Peirepoint answeared
hee would willingly accept of a servant that had served soe noble a person who was the best of
Bishops. Mr. Peirpoint tould the Cooke hee must bee both Cooke and Caterer. Hee must provide
8 dishes every day for dinner, and keep him at SI. per weeke for flesh meat and salt. And if the
Protector or any great person came to dine with him hee must not increase his number of dishes
butt make them the fuller and richer, and put in the margine of' his BUI what was augmented on
that day.
Cooke Hayward covenanted that if his Lord and Master were restored hee might bee at liberty
att any time to retume to his service which Mr. Peirepoint easyly granted.
Cooke Hayward served Mr. Peirepoint 12 yeares, and then King Charles the Second was
restored, and Doctor Juxon then Uveing was made Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr. Wren, Bishop
of Lincolne, was likewise Uveing and restored to his place: all the rest of the Bishops were dead.)
Cooke Hayward (accor(&ig to agreement) went to his old Lord and Master, then Archbishop, and
served him severall yeares, dureing which time his eldest brother Thomas (haveing consumed most
part of his estate and beeing stiU in debt) sould his lease of this Tenement in Balderton, to this
Cooke Hayward. Hee growing old and allmost unfitt for service desired of his Lord and Master
that hee might goe and spend the remaineing part of his days in his owne country. And soe hee
came to Balderton and purdiased the reversion of this tenement of my old Master Robert Corbett, Esq.
This Cooke Ha3rward lived severall yeares att Balderton in good re^mte amongst his neighbours.
Hee gave in his life tyme 10^. to the poore of this ade of the Parish of Myddle, the Interest to bee
dealt in bread upon every first Lord's Day in the month, yearely, for ever. Hee gave this tenement
to Robert Hayward, his eldest brother's eldest son. And when hee was blamed by some gentleman
of his acquaintance for soe doeing because hee the Cooke was a true son of the Church of England
and Robert Hayward, his nephew was a Dissentar firom the Church ; hee answeared that it was God
that had given him an esute and according to the Lawes of this Land which he beeleived were
foimded upon the Lawes of God, this yong man was his heire ; and hee did not finde by the Law
that hee ought to disinherite him because hee was different from him in some opinions.
Lex velit honesta, nemo non eadem volet.
Soieca,
Henry Ha)rward, second son of Thomas Hayward the first, was a woodmonger in London. Hee
took an house and a fewell yard, and his brother the Cooke engaged for the rent and lent him
money to buy a stacke. Hee made a great figure for a while, butt at last hee broake, left the key
under the doore and went into Ireland. The Cooke lost his money and was forced to pay the
arreages of rent"
"Fideetdiffide."
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134 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Thomas Ha]rward the second was a handsome, gentile man, a good country schoUer and a pretty
darke. He was a person well reputed in his country and of a general acquaintance. Hee was
just and faythfull in affirmeing or denying any matter in controversy, soe that lesse credit was given
to some men's oathe than to his bare word. He was well skilld in the art of good husbandry.
His father left him a farme of 30 pounds (fee simple) in Newton on the Hill and the lease of this
ferme in Balderton. Hee had 8 pound (land in fee simple) left him by an unckle in Whixhall.
Hee marryed with Alice, the daughter of Mr. Wihen, High Schoolmaster, in Shrewsbury. Hee had
a good fortune with her in money, besides houses in towne of considerable yeardy value. Shee was
a comely woman, but highly bredde and unfit for a country life, besides shee was shrewed with
tongue, soe that they lived unquietly and uncomfortably, and theire estate consumed insensibly.
Concotxli^ parva res orescont, di8cordi& magna dilabuatur.
Hee had litle quietnesse att home which caused him to frequent publick houses merely for his
naturall sustenance, and there meeting with company and beeing generally well beeloved hee stayed
often too long. His intimate freind was Mr. Hotchkins of Webscott, and indeed there seemed to
bee a naturall Sjmipathy beetweene them for they were both of them very just honest persons and
well beloved — ^butt theire deportment when they were in drinke was very different for Mr. Hodgkins
could goe butt not speake, and Mr. Heyward could speake as well and seemed to bee more acute
and witty in his drinke then att other times but could not goe.
This Thomas Heyward sold and consumed all his estate and was afterwards mainetained on
charyty by his eldest son. Hee had 2 sons Robert and Thomas and a daughter named Elizabeth.
Shee was a comely good humoured young woman, butt her father haveing noe portion to give her
shee was constrained to beetake herselfe to service.
Difficile emergunt c(tionim virtntibiis obstat
Res angusta domi,
Shee marryed with one Roberts a pretty ingeniouse yong man who was Clarke to a gentleman
whom shee served. Hee was son to one Roberts, an Innkeeper in Oreton Maddocke in Flintshire.
This new marryed paire haveing litle to begin with kept a litle alehouse in Oreton, butt the husband
soone after dyed, and shee haveing noe child went to London and there marryed a second husband
and (as I have heard) lived very well. Thomas the yongest son was putt apprentice to a silver-wire
drawer in London. Hee has two sons, Thomas and Robert Robert the eldest son of Thomas
Hayward the second was put apprentice to a refiner of silver in London. His Master was a person
of fanaticall opinions and one that was of the sort of the Millinarians or fift Monarchimen. His
apprentice had soone imbybed the rudiments of his Master.
Est natnra nominum prona et pejoribns apta,
Fadlis descensus Ayemi.
Not long after the Restauration of our late Graciouse Soveraigne King Charles the Second, the
enthusiasticaU leaders or teachers of this Sect persuaded theire Hearers that now the criticall time
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 125
of the Millenium was come and theire prayers were not onely necessary, but theire armes for
bringing on of this worke and incouragcd them by telling that one of them should chase a 1000, &c.
These deluded people made an Insurrection in London and haveing gott themselves well armed
broake out into open rebellion, and marched along the Streets makeingsome sort of a Proclamation.
But they were soone surrounded by the Cytty Mylitia (some say that they fought despairately for
awhile) but they were all taken and the Cytty Prisons were filled with them (amongst this Rout was
this Mr. and apprentice.) But such was the clemency of that mercifulle King that they were all
pardoned except theire Ring Leader who I think was hanged.
Fune pereat fumi venditor.
This master refiner had by this meanes consumed his estate, and when hee was sett att liberty
hcc went into Wales, and was there entertained as a Factor to the Dutch Merchants in theire
imployment about Lead oare. After his death his apprentice Robert Heyward was imployed
in the same post. And sometimes in his vacation came to visit his freinds and made court-
ship to Mrs. Margery Muckleston, eldest daughter of Mr. Edward Muckleston of Meritou, and
after married her. Shee was short sighted and of noe comendable Beauty butt shee was a
vertuouse and religiouse woman. They lived somewhile in Shrewsbury. They had noe child
and lived very comfortably. When his uncle the Cooke was dead and had given him this
Tenement in Balderton, then they came to live there, and there Robert Hayward laid out his
wife's portion (which was considerable) in purchasing some of that farme in Newton, which his
Father I.ad formerly sold to Mr. Hall, and afterwards hee purchased Balderton Hall and all
the lands that Mr. Hall had in Balderton. Hee has taken Robert the yongest son of his Brother
Thomas to bee his heire. Hee sett him apprentice to a white Draper in Shrewsbury (the
wealthyest trade in Towne) and now hee foUowes that trade, and alsoe the same imployment
that his^ uncle had about the Lead oare in Wales. Mrs. Heyward is dead and Robert is yet
liveing in Shrewsbury, and still retaincs his former oppinions.
Nihil assuetudinc majiis. — Ovi'(/.
(^ualiter in lenerLs adolesccns vixcrit annis
Talem praibebit curva senecta senem.— -fi'nw.
The next share in this Peiw beelong to that tenement in Alderton which Mr. Rowland Muckleston
of Meriton lately purchased of Thomas Downton.
William Downton was formerly owner of it. Hee was a person well to passe in the world. Hee
had a son named Samuell who was crookc backd, had a grim swarthy compaction and long
blacke haire. Butt hee was not so deformed in Body as debauched in beehaviour. His prudent
Father observing the idle and lewd courses of his son sought out a wife for him in time. Hee
married with one Botfield's daughter of Nonely, and had a good portion with her in money and
lands. Dureing her lifetime this Samuell lived in good fashion. Hee had one Son by her named
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126 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Thomas and 4 daughters. Shee dyed beefore her children were brought up to maturity. Hee
hired a servant maide to looke to his children. Shee was butt a yong Girle of obscure parent-
age, but some what faire. Hee married this servant which his Children were much troubled at.
And therefore his son left him and went to serve Captaine Richardson. The daughters all left him
as soone as they were able for service. Hee quickly contracted more debts than hee was able to
pay. Hee sold the lands hee had by his first wife but this tenement hee could not sell (beeing
settled att his first marriage.) But hee was about to sell it for his life which his son heareing of
procured money by the assistance of Mr. Richardson and bought it of his father, who immediately
left Alderton and went to Cockshutt where hee kept an alehouse aud had great custome — perhaps
I for his wife's sake whom the people there called white Leggs beecause shee commonly went without
stockings.
' Libido
Corpora contaminat animasque in tartera trudit.—
After some yeares this Samuell Downtoh and his wife (haveing sold some of theire household
goods) gott away from Cockshutt in the night time and left all there Children beehinde them — 4 of
which were after maintained by the Parish of Ellesmeare. They went into Staffordshire and there
hee went a begging like an old decrepite person and shee carryed a box with pinnes and
I aces. But after a while shee gott a new Sparke that travelled the Country and went away with
him, and then this Samuell came againe to Alderton to his son Thomas who maintained him dureing
his Life.
Hand nuptiis est omnibus felidtas
Sed prout uxor contigit bona aut mala.— iWivfuW^fr.
Thomas Downton, by his parsimoniouse liveing, had spared soe much out of his rent of this tene-
ment, as had paid all the money hee borrowed to pay his father and had gott a good stocke of catell,
and was in a condition to live well ; butt unexpectedly hee marryed a wife with nothing. Her name
is Judith — shee was brought up all her lifetime as a servant in some alehouse or other, and shee
proved such a drunken woman as hath scarce beene heard of j shee spent her husband's estate soe
fast that it seemed incredible.
Ducere non tutum est sponsam quam ducere nescis.
This Thomas Downton was a sickly aged man when hee marryed, and had noe child, and itt was
noe matter, for his wife was sufficient to spend his estate — shee went dayly to the alehouse. Her
husband payd 10/. att r. time for alehouse scores; butt to bee short (for shee made but a short
worke of itt,) in few yeares her husband was soe farre in debt, that hee sold this tenement and land
to Mr. Muckleston, reservemg a lease for his owne life ; and hee left 60/. in Mr. Muckleston's hands
to bee payd att his decease to his wife if shee survived him, and if shee dyed beefore him then to
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 127
such peiscms as hee by his last will shouald bequeath itt Hee tooke up 10^. of this 60^. before hee
dyed, to pay alehouse scores, and then hee dyed. The inventory of his goods, togeather with the
$01 that was in Mr. Mucklestcui's hands, did amount to about lao/. and now shee sets out in earnest
to spend this, and with hard shift, spent most of it in about two years, and now lives poorely in a
lytle house in Myddle.
Suus sibi quisque hseres optimus, — Sardanapa/us,
Rowland Muckleston, is son oi Edward Muckle^tcm, a genttoHian of an antitiit iunyly. Hee had
a faire house, and an Estate of about tiol. per annum whore hde wds bdme dtl a plaoe called Pen-y-
lian, neare Oswaldstre. Hee married the daughter of OM Mf . Corbdtt of Meriton, shee was an
heiresse of a good Estate in lands, in Meriton. %ed w&s a provident bousekeoper, fif fiot too parsi-
moniouse, but hee proved not a carefull husband, for hee sold part of his wife's lands in Meriton, to
Sir Humphrey Lea, and they say his wife never OMOsented to it, however (though some suites have
beene brought concerning it, yet) it was never recovered.
This Edward Muckleston had three sons, — ^John, Richard, and Rowland; and four daughters,—
Margery, Mary, Anne, and Martha. This Martha was married to John Harewood, a grocer in
Shrewsbury, hee was an excellent tradesman, and dyed very rich in lands and goods, shee is yett
liveing. Anne was married to Robert Higginson, of EUesmeare, a mercer, they lived plentyfuU butt
are both dead. Mary was married to Francis Lloyd of Cockshutt, a gentleman of an antient family
butt very low in the world at the time of his marriage; for his father's debts and the mortgages of his
lands were soe great, that his son did not know whether it was best to enter on his father's estate, or
take his wife's portion and let the creditors take the lands and estate. However, hee by his labour
and industry, and by his parsimoniouse liveing retrieved all and afterward became very rich in lands; .
there was noe servant in the towne that went more meane in habitt, that fared hardlier in dyett, or
that worked harder att any slavish labour than hee did.
Omnia labori sunt venalia.— Sed
Qui sibi non aliis bonus est, malus ille vooetur ;
Qui neutro bonus est iste est Caood«mone pejor.
Margery the eldest daughter of Mr. Edward Muckleston, was married to Robert Hayward, as I
sayd beefore. John Muckleston was noe comely person, nor had a plausible way of speakeing, but
hee was wise in his owne conceit, and yet there was as much hope of a foole as of him. Hee dyed
without ishue, and by his last will devised the lands att Pen-y-Llan to his brother Richard, and the
lands in Meriton, to his youngest brother Rowland. Hee loved Rowland, but cared not much for
Richard.
Habet et musca splenem et fonnidl sua bilis inest.
Richard Muckleston was a tanner in Shrewsbury, he was a-provident man, a careful tradesman,
and purchased a great Estate in lands. Hee had three sons, Richard, Edward, and Joseph. Hee
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128 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
gave to Richard above 200/. per annum in lands, and married him with a daughter of John Taylor,
of Rodington, Esq. with whom hee had 1200 guineys, and as much silver as made her portion 1400/.,
all payd on the wedding day. Edward is a tanner, and hee gave him severall lands and houses in
Shrewsbury. Joseph is a grocer in Shrewsbury, and to him hee gave the lands in Meriton which hee
purchased of Mr.Colfex's daughters. Hee had alsoe one daughter to whom hee gave a greate
portion in money. Shee is married to Mr. John Edwards, junior, of Gt Nesse.
This Richard Muckleston was a person of a bould and dareing spirit; hee could not brooke an
injury offered him. Hee commenced a suite against the Towne of Shrewsbury for exacting an impo-
sition upon him which they call tensorship, and did endeavour to make voyd theire Charter, butt
they gave him his Burgesship to bee quiet; hee was accounted a just man in all his dealeings.
Me sine virtute hand reddit fortuna beatum,
Nee sine fortune virtos. — ^Da dexter utmmque. Cailimachus in Hymno ad Jovem.
Rowland Muckleston, (who purchased this tenement in Alderton,) had for his first wife, the daugh-
ter of one Andrew Bouldler, of Meriton; who gave with his daughter a lease of a tenement in Meriton
which hee held under Sir Richard Lea, and what money hee gave I cannot tell, butt it was soe
much, that afterwards hee was able to doe lytle for the rest of his children. Shee was a quiett low-
spirited woman, and suffered her husband to conceme himselfe with all things both within doores
and without, soe that theire housekeeping was not commendable. Shee died, and left beehinde her
one son named Edward, and two daughters. Afterwards hee marryed (a second wife,) the daughter
of Mr. Cuthbert Hesketh of Kenwicke, commonly called Darter Hesketh; it was an hasty match and
a small portion, but shee was a very handsome gentlewoman and of a masculine spirit, and would not
I suffer him to intermeddle with her concemes within doores, and shee endeavoured to keep a good
Aouse, butt this caused them to keep an unquiet house, and many contests happened beetweene them
which ended not without blows. I think shee never boasted of the victory for shee had lost an eye
in the battle. After that shee had lived some few yeares with him shee dyed and left noe child
beehinde her. His third wife was widow to one Maddox of Astley. (Her son likewise marryed the
eldest daughter of Rowland Muckleston.) This wife is still liveing and I think shee will not contest
/with her husband, for if shee loose an eye shee looseth all. They are both liveing but live not
\togeather, for hee lives with his son att Meriton, and shee with her son att Astley. Edward, the son
of Rowland, married Anne, the daughter of John Joyce, of Cockshutt; (her mother was a daughter
of the famyly of the Pembertons, of Wrockwardine,) shee is a good discreet woman and a good
housekeeper. They have many handsome lovely children, and doe live very plentifully.
The youngest daughter of Rowland Muckleston was married to John Hayward, of a place called
Wood-houses, in the Towneship of Tylley, neare Wem. Hee was a dissolute person, and dyed
about his middle age; his widow afterward married with Mr. John Collier, the second schoolemaster
of the fireeschooles in Wem. Of Braine's family I have spoaken beefore.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 129
The 8ixt Paw on the North Side of the South Isle.
This beelongs to Richard Hatchetf s tenement in Newton, and to John Eaton's in Myddle.
This tenement of Richard Hatchetfs is the Earle of Bridgewater's land, and is all the lands that the
Earie has in Newton, and formerly the femyly of the Deakins was tenant to it; the last whereof was
Thomas Deakin, who dyed A.D. 161 1. Hee had noe child, and therefore left his Estate to Roger
Sandford, his sister's son, who married with Mary, the sister of Mr. Thomas Bradocke, piurchaser
of Kayhowell. This Roger Sandford was a wealthy man. Hee had a lease of this tenement for
his owne life and his wife's. Hee kept the best hospitality of any man in this Parish in his time.
Hee had noe child, and when hee dyed, hee left his widow very rich; but shee, unadvisedly,
married with Mr. Hodgkins, of Webscott, who sold the lease of this tenement to Thomas Neawans,
and after spent all her riches; soe that shee dyed poore, in Haremeare Lodge, as I said beefore.
O fortuna potens qnam variabilis! inoonstans, fragilis, perfida, lubrica.
Thomas Newans was a younger brother of that antient family of the Newans, of GreenselL Hee
was brought up a servant under Sir Andrew Corbett, and there hee married his fellow-servant,
Elizabeth, the daughter of BailifTe Downton, by his second wife. When hee had purchased Mr.
Hodgkins' tytle in this tenement, hee renewed the lease, and putt in the lives of himself, his wife, and
of Thomas his eldest son. This Thomas Newans was unskilled in husbandry, though hee would
talke much of it Hee made a figure here and then stept away into Ireland, when hee had first
made over his lease to his brother, John Newans, and his brother-in-law, John Downton, for some
yeares, for the ndseing of money to pay his debts. Att the end of the yeares hee and his wife
returned, and dwelt in Shrewsbury, and sett this tenement to Francis Smith, of Balderton, who
placed his son Daniell in it, when hee had marryed Anne, the daughter of George Higginson, of
Stoake Grange. Dureing the time that Daniell Smith was tenant here, Thomas Newans, the younger
dyed, and the elder dyed, and after them Elizabeth dyed, and not long after Daniell Smith dyed,
when hee was not much ps^t the prime of his age.
Quo feta trahunt retrahuntque sequamur. — Virgil,
After the expiration of this lease, my cozen, Richard Hatchett, tooke a lease for lives of this tene-
ment and beecause my son married his sister, I will give some accompt of this family.
Richard Hatchett, great grandfather of this Richard Hatchett, was a wealthy father in Peplow,
under Sir Robert Vernon, of Hodnett; att what time Sir Robert Vernon, (who was owner of all Peplow
and EUerdine,) had mortgaged the whoale Towne of EUerdine unto Sir Richard Newport, of High
Ercball, for a great sum of money, which mortgage was expired, and the money called for. Now
there was four tenants in Peplow which were very wealthy persons — viz., this Richard Hatchett, and
alsoe Mrs. Amway, mother of Dr. Amway and Robert Amway, and great grandmother of Mr. John
Gardner, late of Sandsaw; shee was likewise mother to Mrs. Baddeley, of Ellerton Grange, and great
grandmother to my wife. Another of these rich tenants was William Wood, my father-in-law; but
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130 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
what the fourth was called, I know not. To these four, Sir Robert sent to borrow the sum of money
to pay off the mortgage; butt they consulted togeather, and made excuses : and thereupon Sir Robert
swoare, that noe child of any of the four persons should live upon his land, after theire leases were
expired: butt Richard Hatchett removed beefore his lease was expyred; for hee was so plagued and
plundered by the soldiers in the warre time, that hee was forced to remove to Shrewsbury.
''Nulla salus bello; pacem te posdmus omaes/' — Virg-
Hee bought severall houses in Towne, and was made a Biurgesse of that corporation. Hee had
two sonnes — Stephen and John, and a daughter who was married to Mr. Jones, of Chilton. His son
John married with Margarett, a bastard daughter of Mr. Ditcher's, of Muckleston; for this Ditcher
had noe legitimate child, but was veiy rich. This John Hatchett had a great fortune with his wife,
beside that Estate that was given him by his father: butt hee lived above it all, and therefore it was
noe marvell that hee dyed poore. His widow after his decease, was placed in one of the Almes-
houses at Lytle Berwicke, and there shee dyed
Stephen Hatchet dwelt at Lee, neare Ellesmeare, upon a farme there, which either his &ther or hee
purchased of one Mr. Charleton. I conceive this Charleton was some time Steward to the Earle of
Bridgewater, and kept his Courts in his manors of Ellesmeare, Myddle, Rnockin, &c. I have heard
that hee was a corrupt man, a vitiouse liver, and always needy of money. But to retume: Stephen
Hatchett was a person of good repute in this country. Hee had a son, named Richard, who married
a daughter of one Lyth, of Lee. They are both yet liveing, and have two sons — Richard, who tooke
this l^ase, and John, who is a Groser in Glocester, and is unmarried; they have alsoe two daughters,
the eldest married one Higginson, and lives in Haughton Farme, neare Ellesmeare. The youngest
marryed to my soil Richard Hatchett, junior, is marryed with the daughter-in-law of one Francis
Morrice, of TechelL Hee had a great fortune with her; butt that which is worth all, shee is a loveing
wife, a discreet woman, and an excellent housewife. They have one son, named Edward, and two
daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. Hee is now Receiver of the rents of the Earle of Bridgewater, for
the Lordships of Ellesmeare and Myddle, and is generally well spoaken of by the tenants, for his
gentle dealeing and forbearance; which brings to my mind, that of Alexander the Great, which hee
spoake to his presidents: —
" Odi olitorem radidtiis olera exscindentem."
Butt Mr. Hatchett observes Tiberius's motto: —
« Melius tondere qnamdeglubere."
7he Seavmth Paw on the North side of the South Isle,
Belongs to Ames' tenement in Alderton, and Bickle/s tenement in Brandwood.
The first of the famyly of Ames, in this place was Walter Ames, borne in Herefordshire. Hee
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE 131
marryed the daughter of a wealthy farmer that held this tenement. This Walter had a lease of it for
ninety-nine years absolute, and after purchased it Hee had lands in Isombridge which hee sold,
and purchased lands in Loppington Parish. Hee had ishue, Thomas Ames, who marryed a daughter
of that anttent and substantial! family of the Woods of Muckleton ; and had ishue by her, Robert
Ames, who marryed a daughter of one Lyth, of Lee ; and had ishue by her, William Ames, who
marryed with Julian, the sister of Sir Gerard Eaton, of Eaton, in Flintshire. This William Ames was
very serviceable to this Parish, in serveing the office of churchwarden very often, which office hee
discharged with much carefulnesse and fidelity; yet I have heard him blamed for that hee spent more
in treating of workemen about parish worke than the Parish wte willing to pay, or his owne occasions
would permitt him to doe. As for Mrs. Julian Ames, shee was very helpfUll to her neighbours in
Chirurgery in which shee was very skilftill and successfull. They had ishue — Robert, Richard, and
Thomas. I beegin with the yongest, Thomas. Hee was a shoemaker by trade, but went for a
souldier under Oliver Cromwell. Hee was a soldier att the fight at Dunbarre, in Scotland, which
was on the 3rd day of September, 1650. And here I thinke it is not amisse to mention, that some
persons that give over much credit to the occult philosophy, have accounted the 3rd day of Septem-
ber to bee a criticall day for England, and have nimibered up a great catalogue of very remarkeable
things that concerned England in generall, which have happened on that day. I will onely name
such as have happened dureing the time of memory: —
Upon the 3rd of September, 1650, King Charles II. was routed att Dunbarre.
On the 3rd of September, 165 1, hee was routed att Worcester.
On the 3rd of September, 1658, Oliver, the Protector, dyed.
On the 3rd of September, 1666, was the greatest of the conflagration of the terrible fire in London.
And on the 3rd of September, 1701, our late King James dyed; for our News Letters sayd that
hee dyed September the 14th, stilo novo, which is- according to the Gregorian foreigne new account :
butt wee in England, who follow the Julian or old account, doe beegin one month, 11 days after
theires. Butt I doubt I am mistaken one day in this.
Butt to retume. After the Protector had peace att home, hee lent several troops to the King of
France, to assist him against the King of Spaine in Flanders : and this Thomas Ames went into
Flanders in one of these troops, or companyes. Hee was att the takeing of Mardike and Dunkirk.
When King Charles II was restored, this Thomas Ames was disbanded, and came to Wem, where
hee built an house and marryed a wife : and there hee dyed, and was buried att Myddle. Att which
time there was three corpses burryed in Myddle Churchyard att one time, by two ministers. One
minister stood beetweene two of the graves which were neare togeather, and read the office for both
togeather.
Richard Ames was a shoemaker in Shrewsbury. Hee was Cryer or Martiall of the Town Court
and Towne Sessions, which place hee obtained by favour, but served in it butt ill-favouredly, for hee
could never speake plaine. Hee was many yeares Cryer att Batlefield Faire whilst I was steward
there : and att proclaimeing of the faire, hee made the gentleman much sport by his blunders,
Hee dyed in Shrewsbury.
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132 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
1 701. Robert Ames the eldest son of William, is yet liveing, and is of soe great age that hee is
almost childish. Hee marryed the daughter of one Raulston, of Dunnington, near LillshuU. Hee
had issue by her three sons — William, Kenricke, and Robert, and two daughters, Julian and Eliza-
beth. This Elizabeth marryed one Hamson, a Cheshire man, butt noe good husband. They are
both liveing in Cheshire, near Ehutwich. Julian marryed with William, the son of John Turner, of
a place called Wood Houses, neare Shiffiial. This William Turner came to live att Alderton, and
died there when hee was Churchwarden of Myddle. Hee left noe child beehinde him. Shee is yett
liveing and is a widow. Robert, the youngest son, has lived in severall nobleman's services. Hee
is still immarried, and has gott an estate in service. Kenricke was a baker, and served his appren-
ticeship in Salop, and then removed to London, where hee married and lived in good feshion. ■ Hee
is dead, and left some small chDdren beehinde him. Old Robert Ames dyed March 13th, 1702,
aged, by his owne reckoning 100 yeares abateing seaven.
William Ames, the eldest son of Robert, married Elizabeth, the daughter of Mr. Adam Crosse, of
Yorton. Her mother was Mary, the sister of Captaine Richardson, of Broughton, a discreet gentle-
woman and a good housekeeper. William had issue two daughters — Mary and Martha, and then
his wife dyed. Mary, the eldest daughter married with Samuell the son of Thomas Wright, of
Marton, without her fether's consent, which soe displeased him that hee gave Lis lands to Martha,
the yoimger daughter, and married her to Edward Jenks, eldest son of William Jenks, of -Stockett,
who now lives in this tenement. William Ames is yett liveing, butt his wife is long since dead.
Another share in this seate beelongs to Bickley's tenement in Brandwood. The £amily of the
Bickleys is very antient in this parish. The tenement is the land of the Earle of Bridgewater, and
has been held for many ages by the Bickleys. There was more lands beelonging to it, of which I
will speake hereafter. Roger Bickley had issue Thomas, who had issue Andrew, borne Anno Dom:
1573. Andrew had 2 sons Richard, borne 1602, and William. This Richard dyed young, and
William was tenant of this Farme. William was a faire dealeing person, and well to passe, butt hee
was unfortunate in his marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of William Tyler, of Balderton. Shee was
more commendable for her beauty than her chastity, and was the ruin of the femily.
** Intolerabilius nihil est quam foemiiia fluxa.^'
William Bickley had two sons — ^Thomas and William, and three daughters — Mary, Elizabeth, and
Susan. Thomas practised his father's vutues, William imitated his Grandfather's villanyes, and
the three daughters followed the mother's vices. I will beegin with Thomas, who deserves not to
bee named among the rest. Hee marryed a daughter of one Bailiffe Wilkinson, of Wolverley, and
lives now in Horton in good repute. Susan the yoimgest daughter had a bastard by John BiUingsley,
Vicker of Kinnerley. This Billingsley was borne in Merriton, and was son to a sister of one Edward
Paine of that towne. Hee went into Ireland in his youth, and it is sayd hee was a mountebanke
there. Hee returned into England about twenty years past, and came to bee parson of Preston
Gobballs for a while, and then went to bee curate to Dr. Fulke, att Elinnerley, and att last came to
bee Vicker there. Hee produced his ordination by a Scottish Bbhop : butt it was thought to bee a
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 133
piece of forgery. Hee manyed a kinswoman of these Bickle3rSy and when shee lay in childbedde,
this Susan went to tend her^ and then this Billingsley gott her with child. Soone after this the
Parishioners preferred many articles against him which were proved, and hee was silenced, and
went out of this country. Susan came to Myddle, and lived there with her mother, and there was
brought a bedde, and not long after shee and her mother dyed togeather, what tyme a vyolent feaver
raged in Myddle ; and this parish maintained the bastard.
Elizabeth, the second daughter, had a bastard by Thomas Hall of Balderton, borne in his house :
hee caused him to bee brought up till hee was able for service ; and then hee fell lame, and had his
legge cut off, and was cured at the parish charge, which cost aUmost 20/. Hee wears a wooden
legge ; and goeing to London, hee mett with a woman there, whom hee brought downe with him,
and says shee is his wife. Hee has three children by her, and lives in the cave in Haremeare Hill, 3
and has maintenance out of the Parish. This Elizabeth afterwards marryed with Arthur, a son of
Robert Morralls, of Hopton neare Hodnett : hee fell out of a tree, and brake his necke. Shee
lives in Hodnett, very poore,
Mary, the eldest daughter, marryed George Reve, one of the Reves of Fennimere They are both
liveing att a place called the Wone-house, neare Preston Brockhurst Shee was the comelyest of all
the daughters, butt had noe better a name than the rest. Her daughters are soe in&mouse for
their lewdnesse, that I even loathe to say more of them.
Hee that would publish their lewd Came (I thinke,)
Must write with something nastier than inke.
William, the younger son of William Bickley, to whom the fiither gave the lease of this tenement,
married with Sarah, the daughter of Francis Smith, of Balderton. Hee dyed in May last. His
way of liveing and his demeanour are fresh in memory. I need say noe more of him. Hee left two
daughters beehinde him, Anne the eldest, does not at all degenerate from the wayes of her female
kindred. The youngest is a sickly crooked girle, and more modest than the other.
The Eighth Pm <m the North side of the South Isle.
Has the middle Arch or Piller standing in it, and alsoe a poste, which supports a large beame
that goes over crosse the south side of the Church; soe that there is onely roome for two persons
to sitt there, butt none can claime any right to it.
7he Ninth Pew on the North side of the South Isle,
Beclongs to James Fewtrell's tenement in Brandwood, and to Noneley's tenement and Hill*s
tenement of the same. Butt this beeing not the cheife seate I will speak of them hereafter.
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134 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
71u Tenth Pew on the North side of the South Isle
This Pew beelongs to Edward Garland's tcnemait in Newton, and to Hordley's tenement which
is in the lane that goes from Myddle to Burleton. This tenement is the Earle of Bridgewater's
land, and has beene long in the tenure of the famyly of the Hordle/s. The first that I can give any
account of was John Hordley, a taylor. Hee married with Katherine, the daughter of Richard Ash,
of Marton. Hee had ishue, Andrew, who married a daughter of the family of the Formeston's, of
Marton. Shee was a very orderiy and neat housekeeper. Shee nursed Mrs. Lettice, eldest daughter
of my old master, Robert Corbet, of Stanwardine, Esq., and Mrs. Elizabeth, his second dau^ter,
who is now Mrs. Clive, of Walford. Andrew Hordley had three sons; Thomas, Andrew, and John,
and one daughter, who was marryed to one Gittins, of Ruyton. This Andrew Hordley died long
since, and his widow survived him many yeares. The two eldest sons continued bachelors, and
managed theire mother's concemes. They were rich and allways had money beefore hand. These
. three persons dyed allmost togeather. Thomas dyed first, and his brother Andrew tooke such griefe
att his death, that hee was almost senselesse; and about a weeke after, hee was found dead in a
small deep hole of water on the backside of the house, where they used to fetch water for the use
of the house. The Coroner's inquest found it an accident ; and, that (as they beelieved) hee was
goeing to wash his hands and face, and soe slipt in and was drowned Joane Hordley, the widow,
dyed soone afler; and soe the lease and estate fell to John.
Nulla SOTS longsi est; dolor et voluptas invicexn cedsmX.— Seneca
John Hordley had for his first wife, Alice, the daughter of Francis Cleaton, of Hollins; shee
would sometimes refireshe herselfe with a cup of ale. His second wife is a daughter of Geoige Hinks,
of Burleton; her mother was sister to Mr. George Chambre, of Loppington, Grandfather of George
Chambre, now living. This second wife was a widow when hee marryed her and had beene marryed
to one May, a tradesman in London. Shee has a daughter named Honora, which shee had by her
first husband.
The Eleventh Peiw on the North side of the South Isle,
Beelongs whoaly to Edward Cooper for his two messuages in Myddle, which are the lands of the
Earle of Bridgewater. One of these messuages is in Middle Towne, and John Hewitt the younger
dwells in it The other is att the north comer of Myddle Wood Common; and there Edward Cooper
dwells. That messuage in the towne, was built by Mr. Wilton, some time Rector of Myddle; and
was called Mr. Wilton's new house. There is a piece of ground (beelonging to this house,) which
was taken out of Myddle Wood Common, and lyes on the north side of Mr. Lloyd's backside, and
I suppose it was incloased by Mr. Wilton. Aft^r the death of Mr. Wilton, one William Goslin or
Geslin tooke a lease of this messuage and peice, and alsoe of that messuage in the Wood ; but who
was tenant of this beefore Goslin, I know not. This Goslin was a covetouse, rich old feUow. Hee
had two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. The eldest was marryed to Roger Jewks, a shoemaker, in
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 135
Shrewsbury, hee was an excellent workeman as any in towne; hee had an hoase and shop on his
own land, and a good fortune with his wife, and had noe child; and yet being given to drinke, hee
was never rich. Elizabeth was marryed to Peter Lloyd, who was husbandman to Mr. Gittins, of
Myddle. This Peter was descended of a good gentleman's family, in Oswaldstre; his eldest brother
was a Captaine, in the service of K. Charles ist, in those warres. Peter was many yeares bayliife
of this manor, and discharged his place with much faythfiillnesse, and was not onely just to his
master, butt alsoe favorable to the tenants; which caused him to bee generally well beeloved and of
good accompt Peter Lloyd had two sons, Peter and William, and a daughter named Alice. The
eldest son dyed unmarryed. The second son William was apprentice with his^ uncle Jewkes, who
gave him his house, shop, and lands, in Shrewsbiuy. This William married a daughter of one
Stanley, a dyer in Shrewsbury, who was some time a person of good accompt, and marryed a daughter
of Mr. Hanmer of Marton; but afterward, beecame a drunken sott, soe that I believe hee gave but
lytle with his daughter. Alice the daughter of Peter Uoyd was sometime a servant to Mr. Har-
court Leighton, of Plash ; and there she married with Thomas Lovett, who was keeper of Plash
Parke for Mr. Leighton. After theire marriage they came both to Myddle, and lived with Peter
Lloyd. And after his decease Thomas Lovett was Bayliffe of this Manor; and discharged his place
with like care and comendation as his father-in-law had done. This Thomas Lovett was a person
of an upright straite stature, of a comely and handsome complexion, skillful and ingeniouse in any
worke that hee undertooke, and of a milde, courteouse, and honert disposition. Hee dyed when
hee was somewhat past his myddle age, and left beehinde him two sons, Thomas and William, and
two daughters, Elizabeth and Alice. This Alice did marry with one Shingler, a Staffordsheire man;
and Elizabeth married with John Huett, junior, of Myddle, bUcksmyth ; who now dwells in the house
in Myddle which was called Mr. Wilton's new house William Lovett was a soldier some while
under King William the 3rd, in Flanders: and att his retume was entertained in service in London:
where (for ought that I know) hee now dwells. Thomas Lovett, jimior, was entertained (when hee
was very young) in the service of Mr. Gower, of Chilleton, in Staffordsheire,' a Papist And this
young man became a proselyte of theires, and leaving the relligion wherein hee was borne and bap-
tized, hee beetooke himselfe to his beads.
£t filo ignotis numerat sua munera Bacds. — Fox,
Beads by Pope Urban first were firamed.
Now TaUeys of devotion named.
Which of theire prayers must keep just tale,
Lest Heaven and they i* the reckoning faile.
Alice, the widow of Thomas Lovett, married Edward Cooper, who was some tymes husbandman
to Mr. Mackworth, of Betton; hee is a careful! laborious man. They are both yet (1701) living att
the house in Myddle Wood
The Twdvth Pew
Is an old Pew which was not broaken att the uniforming of the seates. And Eavan Jones, and
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Francis Davis who had built new houses upon lands taken out of Myddle Wood, did sitt in this Pew,
beecause they had noe seates in Church; and now Richard Rogers who has Eavan Jones' house, and
Thomas Davis, who has Francis Davis' house, doe daime a right in it by long usage.
Seats €uijaimng to the South wall of Myddle Church.
The uppermost pew belongs whoaly to Mr. Phillip Cotton's forme m Alderton, formerly called
Alderton Hall. This lide towne of Alderton Ijres within the libertyes of Shrewsbury, and in theire
Charter is named Afierton;. it adjoines doase to the towne of Broughton, soe that the garden of that
tenement in Alderton, which is now Mr. Muckleston's, and lately was Thomas Downton's, adjoines
to the garden that belongs to the farme in Broughton, which Roger Hodden now holds, and was
formerly held by Humphry Sugar ; and it is to bee noted that about twenty yeares agoe, Thomas
Downton gave part of the north end of his garden unto Richard Lyster, Esq., (owner of the whoale
towne of Broughton,) in exchange for land that lyes att the south end of then Thomas Downton's
yard, and now Mr. Muckleston's. Howbeit the part of the garden which was given in exchange,
is still in the Parish of Myddle, and the lands given in exchange for it are in the Parish of Broughton.
Soone after this exchange the said Humphey Sugar erected a new bame, and putt the south-west
comer of it upon part of this part of Downton's garden which was given in exchange; soe that the
south-west comer of this bame is in the parish of Myddle. The forme of soe much ground as is
covered with the said bame and lyes in the parish of Myddle, is thus —
5
J
West
I have heard William Amies say that hee was present when the sills of the sayd bam were laid,
and hee heard the workmen say that the groimd which the bame tooke of Myddle parish if reduced
to square yards, was about six square yards. Alderton did formerly belong to the Priory of Wom-
bridge, which is the reason why it was not joined as one towne with Broughton ; for Broughton and
Yorton which now make one parish, did formerly belong, as some say, to a small monastery which
stood on a banke cast up with men's hands near Broughton church, which stands in a meadow about
the middle way betweene the two townes of Broughton and Yorton. What time this small monas-
stery was dissolved or destroyed is not knowne. Howbeit this Church was afterwards accompted a
Chappell in the parish of St Maryes, in Shrewsbxuy, as appeares by a certaine writeing or pardon
which after the decease of my old school-master, Mr. William Sugar, Minister of Broughton, I found
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 137
among his writeings in his study; the words whereof are as followeth : — But I believe it was a castle
that stood on the banke, and gave name to Broughton, quasi Burghton.
These are the Statutes, Indulgence, and Pardon granted to the holy Chappell of our blessed Lady
of Broughton, in the Coimty of Salop ; the which holy Chappell was first begun by the great power
aCnd revelation of God, and by the Miracle of our Lady, which indulgence and pardon is granted to
every man, woman, and child, that is so virtuously disposed for to visite this holy Chappell; — saying
there one Paternoster, and one Ave Mary, before our blessed Lady; or else to send any portion of
theire goods towards the building and maintenance of this holy Chappell, as hereafter followeth,
which is granted by our holy father, Pope Julius the 2nd, and Pope Leo the loth : and alsoe lately
ccmfirmed by fifteen Cardinalls of the Court of Rome, with all the most part of the Bishopps of this
Realme of England, at every one of these feasts following, vig: At the Conception of our Lady;
the Nativity ; the Purification ; the Annimciation, with the Assumption, with the octaves of the same;
is granted to every brother and sister for the saying of one Paternoster, and one Ava Maria, 1500
days of pardon with cleare remission ; and alsoe all they that bee disposed to receive a letter of this
holy Indulgence and Pardon, they may choose unto them once in theire life, and att the houre of
death, a discreet ghostly father ; the which ghostly father hath full power, by the authority of theire
letter, for to absolve the cleare remission and absolution of all their sins — ^nothing except Alsoe
within the said Chappell is four times in the yeare solenmly kept a generall obiter, with Dirge and
Masse of Requiem, for the soules of all the brethren and sisters that bee departed out of this
world, besides all others suf&ages and prayers which bee said and done within this holy Chappell,
for all good benefactors, and good doers, which prayer shall endure there for evermore.
FORMA ABSOLUTIONIS.
Authoritate Domini Nostri Jesu Christi et Beatorum Petri et Pauli apostolorum ejus nobis in hac
parte commissi, ego absolvo te ab omnibus peccatis tuis in purgatorio debitis propter culpas, et
offensas quas contra Deimi et hominem commisisti, in quantum mihi admittitur, restituo te illi honori
in quo baptizatus fuisti ; Vivas cum Christo in saecula sssculorum. Amen.
I have disgressed (but not without a pardon), and now retume to Alderton, which containes onely
three farmes or tenements — ^viz., Mr. Cotton's, late John Downton's ; Amies' tenement ; and Mr.
Muckleston'^ late Thomas Downton's. TTiese are of imequall value, for if the towne bee divided
into seaven parts, Mr. Cotton has four; Amies has two ; and Muckleston has one; and according to
this division all leawans were formerly payd. This towne as I sayd did formerly belong to Wombridge
Priory ; at which tyme Downton, Amies, and Downton were tenants here. At the dissolution of
Abbyes and Prioryes, this towne was sold to one Selman. Some say his name was Wike. Some
say hee was called Selman Wike. However hee kept it not long, but sold it to the tenants. And
now I come to speake of the owner of this farme, who late were the Downtons, for I have spoaken
of the Amies' family and the other Downtons before.
The £umly of the Downtons is soe antient in this towne^ that I have not heard of any that were
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138 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE
tenants of this farme before them; and such a numerouse offspring hath branched out of this family,
that there was three familyes of the Downtons at one time in this towne — viz., John Downton who
lived in Alderton Hall ; George Downton who lived in a house below Billmarsh which stood upon
those lands belonging to this farme which lye beetweene Billmarsh and Tylley Parke, in which
house, (after George Downton,) one Goldbame dwelt, I do remember an old decayed house there,
but now it is converted to a bame and beast houses. The third family was William Downton, who
was owner of that tenement which is now Mr. Muckleston's. There was att the same tyme a
femyly of the Downton's in Myddle, and another at Webscott; but now all these famylyes are extinct,
soe that there is not one of that name now in this parish, except one widow; soe that it appeares
that familyes have theire fate and periods as well as particular persons — and noe marvell, since
famylyes are made up of particulars.
Certam est et inevitabile fiitam. — Manii,
I remember that of Mr. George Buchanan, who was noe meane poet: —
Si te fieUa ferunt, bene fer sic ferre sed seger
Si male fers animo te male iata fernut.
John Downton, (who I believe was purchaser of this ferme,) had a wife whose name was Ellen,
and by her hee had one son named Thomas, and two daughters, Jane and Mary. These two
daughters were marryed both on one day, viz. Jime 4th, 1574. Jane was married to Arthur Butler,
of the Parish of Condover, and Mary was marryed to one Thomas Maddocks, of Astley, in the
parish of St. Maryes. Thomas succeeded his father in this farme. Hee was bayliffe of the manor
of Myddle, and therefore called Bayly Downton. Hee built fdre bames and beast houses upon this
farme, which are yet standing. Hee had a faire round tower of a dove house, which is now decayed
His wife's name was Elizabeth. Shee was daughter of one Marsh, of Clive. This Marsh had some
peices of land in this parish— viz.. Marsh's Croft, sold to Mr. Chambre, of Petton; one peice of land
adjoining to the Hall Marsh; and a lytle meadow, called the Partridge Meadow, both sold to Mr.
Hill, and by his son sold to Reve. Nathaniel Reve built an house on the peice of land, and lately
his son has sold it to one Godfrey Cooper. This Baily Downton had ishue, John Downton, whose
first wife was daughter of one Greensell, of Astley, and by her hee had Thomas and Dorothy, and
after hee marryed the daughter of Reinold Hotchkiss, of Webscott, and had ishue by her John and
Elizabeth. This John Downton fell sick in Myddle church, and was carried thence into Mr, Gittins'
house in Myddle, and there died.
Cuivis potest acddere quod caiquam acddit.
His widow was afterwards married to Dr. Eavans, of Ruyton. Hee was'a doctor of phisicke, and
in his youth was of very great accompt, and had much practice among the best men in these parts.
Hee gave all his physick in powders, and made up his composition with his owne hands, not trusting
to Apothecaryes. In his later age (for hee lived very long,) his practice fayled and his estate
decayed. Hee dyed at Ruyton.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 139
Elizabeth the daughter of John Downton by his second wife, was manyed to Thomas Leawns, as
I said before. John his son was marryed with the daughter of one Arthur Podmoore, of Hawkston«
This John purchased land in Nonely, and after sold it againe to my Cozen, Thomas Payne of
Eastaston. Dorothy the daughter of John Downton by his first wife, was married to Richard
Cotton, of Haston. Shee lived untill shee was almost 100 yeares of age and died not long agoe.
Thomas succeeded his father in this farme, hee married first, with the sister of the said Richard
Cotton, and had ishue by her, John and Elizabeth, besides severall other sons which I can give noe
accompt of. Elizabeth was first housekeeper to Mr. Richard Higginson, of Wem, and afterwards
became his second wife, but dyed before him.
Thomas Downton married a second wife who was widow to one Alsope, who lived toward Bridge-
north. Shee had a son named Thomas, by her first husband. Hee was my schoole-feHow, and was
a youth of good towardliness. John the son of this Thomas Downton, marryed- Elizabeth the
daughter of one George Causer, a joiner by trade, who lived in the parish of Priors Lee. Hee had
tiiis onely child, and shee was accompted a great fortune. Howbeit, all the money that John Down-
ton had with his wife was given to Thomas, his father, and to his second wife, who gave up all theire
estate to this son; but when Thomas had consumed what hee had, hee returned to his son John,
who maintained him untill hee dyed, which happened soone after his retume. John Downton had
ishue Thomas Downton and Elizabeth, and several other children, which I can give no accompt of.
Hee was at great charges in the education of his children. Hee gave £50 with his son Thomas to
Mr. Graver, an Attorney, to teach him that practice, but hee proved not excellent in it John
Downton had great losses by paying money for suretiship. At last hee gott ferre in debt, and his
son Thomas, marryed the daughter of one Mr. Clively, and had onely £100 portion with her, which
displeased the father, and hee gave him noe part of his land at present, soe that hee tooke his £100
and lived upon that and his practice at Wem. His wife proved a very discreet and provident woman,
but theire estate being wasted, shee maintained them by selling ale. Att last the father and son
agreed togeather. and sold this farme to Mr. Phillip Cotton. They left £400 of the purchase money
in Mr. Cotton's hands, to bee payd to the son Thomas att his father's decease, and the father to have
the interest of it att £5 per cent, to maintaine him dureing his life. The son dyed beefore the
father ; and John Downton the father, marryed the widow of one Barnabas Bolton, an ale-woman in
Wem, with whom hee lived an unquiet life for some yeares, and after parted fi^om her and soone after
dyed. Elizabeth his daughter had only X20 of the purchase money for her portion, and some
goods ; shee is a comely woman, and is married to oneThomas Vaughan, an Inn-keeper in Shawbury.
Mr. Cotton's first tenant was George Beacall, senior, of WoUerton; his wife was a good, discreet
woman they were both peaceable and well beeloved. His present tenant is William Groome, late of
Sleap; but when hee will bee soe well-beeloved I know not.
The Second Pew adjoineing to the South wall beelongs whoaUy to Salderton Ball.
This farme has beene sold five tymes in lytle more than the space of 100 years last past.
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140 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Nil proprium coiquam : puncto quod mobilis hone
Nunc prece, mine pretio, nunc vi, nunc sorte supremiL
Pennutat Dominos et cedit in altera jura. — Hor,
The first owna: of this farme that I can give any accompt of, was Roger Nicholas, and of him I can
onely say_that his wife's name was Alice, and that hee dyed a.d. 1572, and left behinde him a son,
named William, who was bom a.d. 1550. William Nicholas built most part of Balderton Hall — ^viz.
all except that crosse building, called the Kitchen end. There is likewise a fayre dove-house made
of rough stone and plastered over with lime, which is supposed to bee built by him. There is like-
wise a very deep draw-well which hee caused to bee made, butt now the spring is diverted and the
well is beecome uselesse and the shed that was over it is pulled downe; and the well is ondy
covered with a flaggestone. Some say that the drying up or diverting of the spring was caused by
the makeing of a marie pitt in a peice of land beelonging to this farme, called the Within Hills —
because this happened in the yeare that the pitt was made ; and this is like the reason that a man
gave concerning Godwins Sands. It happen'd that in the Reigne of King Edward the Confessor, a
great west winde in a dry season blowed great abundance of sand from the sea shore, which
covered a great part of the lands of the wicked Earle Godwin, which to this day are called Godwin's
Sands ; and this happened in the yeare that Salisbury Steeple was built ; and therefore a man that
was asked what was the reason of Godwin's Sands, answered, the building of Salisbury Steeple.
Butt to retume. This William Nicholas was never marryed that I know of, and by his greate
charges in building, hee contracted much debt Yet beeing addicted to projects, hee beecame a
timber man, and purchased all the timber in Kenwick's Parke, thinkeing to enrich himselfe by it
but it proved his mine. It is reported that hee bought all the Cakes at 1 2d a tree, and had the
Ash and Underwood into the baigaine, butt hee wanted sale for it. It is said that hee would sell
wood for fewell att 4d. per waine loade, and beecause hee wanted vent for Cordwood, hee erected a
a Glasse-house to consiune some of his Charcoale, which house is called the Glasse-house to this
day. Butt in the end his Creditors came soe sharpe upon him, that hee sold Balderton Hall, and
the demeanse and his lease of Broomehurst faime, to. Mr. Chambre of Petton, and went outt of the
country and was never heard of. But some say there came an old man in beggar's habite, (some
years after his departure,) to Balderton, late in the evening, and sate imder the bame wall, and was
foimd dead in the morning, and was thought to bee this William Nicholas.
Fuge magna ; liect sub paupere tecto
Reges ct Regum viti prsecurrere amicos — Hr,
I have spoaken of Mr. Chambre's famyly before, and how Mr. Arthur Chambre gave this farme and
a lease of Broomhurst farme to his youngest son Michael, who sold Balderton Hall to John Nocke.
Mr. Arthur Chambre who purchased this estate in Balderton, had two sons, Arthur and Michael,
and two daughters; the one of them was marryed to Mr. Albany, Lord of the Manor of Whittington,
and had one daughter by him, and after his death shee marryed with Mr. Hunt of Femehill, and the
daughter of Mr. Albany was marryed to Mr. Lloyd of Aston, and by that means the Manor of Whit-
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 141
tington came to the femyly of the Lloyds of Aston. The other daughter of Mr. Chambre was
manyed to Mr. Kinnaston, a Wool Merchant in Shrewsbury. Mr. Arthur Chambre, the purchaser,
gave this estate in Balderton imto his yotmger son Michael, and alsoe a lease which hee had taken
of Broomhurst farme, and charged the lands with the payment of l^acyes to the two daughters,
hopeing (as reasonably hee might,) that Michael would take a wife with such a fortime as would
discharge the legacyes. But Michael intended nothing less ; there was nothing conunendable in
him but that hee was well descended, and that hee was so blasted by his vitiouse life that hee was
a person of noe accompt
Qaem genus et genius pariter virtutis et artis
Nobilitat, verus NobUis Ule vir est
This Michael Chambre was whoally addicted to idlenesse, and therefore noe marvel that hee was
lasdviouse.
Otia si tollas periere cupidinis arcus. — Ovid,
If thou canst idlenesse avoid,
Cupid may lay his bow aside.
Butt the worst of this Michael was, that his lewd consorts were such ugly nasty bawds, that they
might almost resemble uglinesse itselfe, and such as were the very scome of the greatest and vilest
debauchees of those times, of which, (the more the pity,) there were too many in this parish. Soe
prone is humane nature to all vice.
Fadle est descensus Avemi
Noctes atque Dies patet atri janua Ditis*
The way to Hell's an easy way,
The gates are open night and day.
But to conclude, this Michaell took noe care toe pay the legacyes to his sisters, and beeing sued
by his brothers-in-law and put in prison, hee and they joineing togeather sold Balderton Hall and
the lands belonging to it to John Nocke. Michael reserved the lease of Broomhurst farme to main-
tame him and his puggs, but hee lived not many yeares after.
Ubi usus eris nostr& medicabilis arte
Fac monitb fugias otia prima meis. — Ovid,
Thiis Englished by Mr. Sands —
When thou are sick, and £une wouldst physicke take,
First practice this— on idle life forsake.
John Nocke was a wealthy Draper in Shrewsbury, butt running the fate of many of such trades-
men, his factors or correspondents in London breakeing, hee was forced to pay great sums of money,
for the rayseing whereof hee mortgaged his estate in Balderton to Mr. Webbe, another rich draper
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14a ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
in Shrewsbury, att which time my imcle Richard Gough, of BurltoD, was tenant att Balderton Hall,
and hee leaveing it, Mr. Webbe held it some while in his owne hands. But hee runmg the same
fate that John Nocke had done beefore they both joyned togeather, and sold it to Mr. Zankey, then
Rector of Hodnet.
Mr. Zanky was a person much comended for his vertue and pyety.
Nunqnam Stygias fertur ad nmbne
Indha virtus ; vivite fortes ;
Nee Lethseas ssevc per amnes
Vos fata trahont ; sed com summas
Exiget hoiBS oonsumpta dies
Iter ad superos gloria pandet.
True vertue never sinks to hell :
Bee vertuouse mortalls, and live well :
Nor shall severe fates hale you throw
The floods of Lethe — ^but when jrou
Shall have accomplished your last day.
Glory to heaven shall make your way.
Mr. Zanky died soone after hee had made this purchase, and his widow came and lived some
yeares in Balderton Hall. Hee lefl two sonnes Robert and Jerome. Robert, his eldest son, wa»
clerke to Mr. John Birch, of Canke, (who in his time was accompted the ablest attorney at law in
England.) Hee married Mr. Birch's daughter, a proud, passionate dame as ever lived. Hee went
for a soldier in the Parliament Army, in the beginning of the warres in the Reigne of King Charles I.,
and was made a Collonell, and his brother Jerom was a Captaine under him, but hee dyed in the
beginning of the warres, and his brother Jerom was made a Collonell in his stead. This Jerom was
a person of a meane stature, mild disposition, and accompted a very religiouse man. Hee continued
his command in the army untiU the Restauration of King Charles II. Hee was well respected by
Oliver the Protector, and served him in all his warres in Ireland and Scotland, and was. by the
Protector made a Knight and one of the foure Comissioners for the Governing of the Kingdom of
Ireland, instead of a Lord Deputy. The other three Comissioners were Miles Corbett, Edmund
Ludlow, (sometimes a Major General,) and CoUonell John Jones. Sir Jerom Zanky, (for soe hee
was then called,) had a Brigade of Soldiers under his comand while hee was in Ireland; and when
Sir George Boothe and Sir T. Middleton made an insurrection in Cheshire, this Collonell Zanky was
sent for with his Brigade out of Ireland, but a great part of his Brigade was lost and cast away att
sea, and the rest came not untill the businesse was over. When King Charles II. was restored, this
Colonell Sanky was disbanded and all his Brigade. Hee tooke the benefit of the King's declaration,
which was sent from Bradaugh and sued out his pardon on course, and what became of him after-
wards, I know not.
Nulla salus bello, pacem te posdmns omneSb
Robert Zanky, a lytle before his death, sold Balderton Hall to Mathew Lath*
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MVDDLE. 143
Mathew Lath was borne to noe estate. Hee was a servant in husbandry, and married Mary, the
daughter of Trustan Turner, who was brother to my grandmother Gough, soe that Mary Lath and
my fether were first Cozens, which wee call Cozen Germans. This Matthew Lath lived as a tenant
att a farm called the Wall near Adeney, in this coimty, (where his fathei>in-law Turner had formeriy
dwelt and his ancestors,) but when hee had purchased Balderton Hall hee removed thither. Hee
had onley one daughter whose name was Jane, and shee being a great fortune had many suiters.
But among the rest shee was married to Thomas Hall of Isombridge, who had an estate there in
lands from his fadier, and an estate in lands in Roddington, which was given him by his Grandfather
on the mother's side. Hee had one sister named Mary who was married to Edward Jenks of Cock-
shutt, my uncle who had a good tenement there for his life. Butt Thomas Hall gave him noe
portion with his sister, although it was said that shee was to have a considerable portion, and for want
of that, and shee proveing an idle housewife, that family, which was formerly one of the cheifest in
that towne, came to mine.
Thomas Hall lived at Balderton with his father-in-law, and during his life hee was a reasonable
good husband, but after his decease hee let loose the reins to many disorderly courses, as cocking,
raseing, drinking, and lewdnesse. Hee had one bastard borne to him in his owne house, by a
daughter of Wm. Bickley. This bastard when hee was growne of age went to service, and theire
falling lame, hee was att the charge of the parish putt to a Surgeon who cutt oflf one of his kggs
and cured^him; this cost the parish above X20; after hee was healed hee went to London, and from
thence brought a wife, as hee calls her. Hee now lives in the cave of Haremeare Hill, and has
maintenance from the parish: hee is called Richard Bickley, alias HalL By these ill courses Thomas
Hall consumed his estate; hee sold his land in Isombridge and Roddington, and although hee bought
a considerable tenement in Newton, yet hee sold it agein, and after hee sold Balderton Hall and lie
lands beelongiog to it unto Robert He)rward, and left £400 of the price in the purchaser's hands,
to the intent that the interest of it might maintaine him and his wife dureing theire lives, out of
which interest shee whose portion was accompted worth £1500 had onely £S, but shee is dead, and
willingly left this troublesome world,
Rebus in adversis facile est contemncre vitam.
This Thomas had six sons Thomas, Edward, William, Mathew, Andrew, and Humphry, and two
daughters Johane and Anne, beesides other children which dyed in their infanqr. Anne lives now
with her brother Edward, in that part of Balderton Hall which their father reserved for his habitation
dureing his life ; Johane, a comely and good humored yoimg woman, was some while a servant to
Daniell Wycherly of Clive, Esq., and there shee was married unto William Paine, another servant of
Mr. Wycherle/s. This Paine was borne in Wikey, and descended of good parentage. Butt I doubt
his father-in-law Hall gave him butt little with his daughter ; they lived some while in EUesmeare
and kept an Inne, and after they went to Masbrooke, and there kept a little Alehouse where
William Paine dyed and left many small children, which shee was not able to maintaine, and there
has assistance from the Parish. Humphrey was a silversmith in London, and is there marryed ; hee
is a strong man, and a skillfull workman, butt hee loves drinke too well to bee rich.
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144 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Andrew the fift son, was sett apprentice to a Glover and Skinner in Drayton. His master was
an honest man, and a good substantial tradesman. And this Andrew came to bee an excellent work-
man att his trade, insomuch that when his apprenticeship was ended, hee was courted by the best
tradesmen in Shrewsbury, to worke as a journeyman with them, butt hee was so addicted to drinking
that hee quickly gott in debt in Shrewsbiuy, soe that hee was forced to leave the Towne and went to
London, and there dyed.
Mathew the fourth son, was sett apprentice imto Charles Booth, a Shoemaker in Wem, and after
his apprenticeship hee worked joumeyworke in Shrewsbury ; and his master dyings hee marryed his
mistress, and purchased his freedome in Shrewsbiuy, and lived in good estate dureing the life of his
first wife; but when shee was dead hee marryed a second wife, and soone after grew sickly. Hee
was a very religiouse person, moderate in drinkeing, butt I cannot say soe of his second wife, and
therefore hee lives in a meane condition.
William, the third son, marryed a gentlewoman who was servant to Mrs. Cleaton of Lea HalL
Shee is a papist Hee had a considerable fortune with her, butt soone made even with it ; hee now
sells ale in Cockshutt, and is deputy Bayliffe of PimhUl hundred.
Edward, the second son, was warrener of Haremeare Warren ; hee had a lease of it for 21 yeares,
butt inriched himselfe nothing by it Hee lives now in that part of Balderton Hall which his father
reserved dureing life. Hee writes a good hand and getts somewhat by teaching to write.
Thomas, the eldest son, was a schoUer to old Mr. Rd Roderick of Wem, and beeing a youth of
great diligence, his master took such a love to him, that having gott about £20 of old Hall, to putt
him in an equipage for Oxford, hee procured for him to bee Servitor to those two famous D. Drs.,
viz. Dr. Fell and Dr. Alestree, in whose service hee gained such love and respect, that they prefered
him to bee Chaplin to the Lady Button, where by his modest behaviour and diligent service hee
gained such a good repute, that the Lady gave him a Benefice of about £30 per annum, at a place
called Abbington, in Oxfordshire, and beesides that hee marryed a gentlewoman with a good fortune^
who was housekeeper to the Lady Button. Hee has noe child, and his father now lives with him
and is maintained by him.
Robert Hayward is now owner of this Estate ; hee has noe child, butt has made Robert his brother's
son, his heire, who is a Draper in Shrewsbury. Thus you see how this Estate has beene sold five
times in lesse than a century of years. I wish it may continue where it is, and not prove like
Horace's river —
Labitm et labetnr in omne volubilis SBvum.
Robert Hayward, senior, died December 3rd, 1705.
Tin third Pew beciongs to Wrighfs tenement in Morton and to Formestofis tenement in Marion.
Wrighf s tenement was formerly the lands of my old master, Robert Corbett, of Stanwardine, Esq.^
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 145
whose grandfather had itt by the marriage of one of the daughters of Kynaston of Wallford, and
seeing that Kynaston had the Manor of Walford by the marriage of the daughter and heiresse of
John Hord, Lord of Walford, I may well conclude that this tenement did formerly beelong to the
family of the Hords.
The family of the Bakers were formerly tenants of this place, which was an antient and florishing
family in Marton, insomuch that Mr. Wm, Hanmer of Marton tooke a wife out of this family, butt
now this family is whoaly extinct in this parish. After the decease of the last of the Bakers, one
Thomas Wright tooke a lease of this tenement of Mr. Corbett, and afterwards purchased the fee
simple, and then sold the one halfe of the lands to Thomas Freeman, who marryed Elizabeth, the
eldest daughter of my imcle Richard Groome of Marton, butt hee had noe part of the building nor
any share in this seate. Thomas Wright had two sonnes, Allen and Thomas, and two daughters,
Mary and Anne or Margery, I know not whether ; shee was marryed to a Carpenter in Shrewsbury,
butt I have forgott his name.
Mary married with James Dod, an antient widower in Weston Lullingfield ; hee was a lease tenant
to my old master. This Mary had one daughter beefore James Dod dyed and afterwards shee
marryed Arthur Wykey, a yonger brother of that antient family of the Wykeys of Weston.
Allen the eldest son of Thomas Wright, was a pretty gentile yong man ; but hee dyed immarried.
Thomas Wright, the yonger was a tanner by his trade, and served an apprenticeship with Thomas
Acherley of Marton. Hee marryed Martha, the daughter of Robt Wilkinson, of Wolverley, who was
Bayliffe to the Earle of Arundell in his Manors of Wem and Loppington. Hee tooke more care to
gett money among the tenants, than to gaine theire love or preserve his owne credit.
Quid enim salvis Inlamia Nommis.— u^/r/ox Silvanus^ Cardinal^ and after Pope.
What matters infamy if you are
Rich in gold and lire secure.
This Thomas Wright had three sons, Joseph, Samuell, and Robert, and two daughters, one of
which is married to Richd. Smyth, junior, of a place called New-house, in the towneshipp of Sansaw,
neare Yorton bridge. The other daughter is unmarried.
Robt, the yoimgest son, is a Tanner, unmarried, and an untowardly man.
Samuell, the most hopeflill of all the sonnes, marryed with Mary the eldest daughter of William
Amies, of Alderton, which soe displeased her father that hee disinherited her, and settled his lands
upon his yonger daughter. This match with Samuel Wright was carried on by the persuasion and
incouragement of William Crosse, who was uncle to the yong woman, but hee deceived them sadly.
Tuta frequensque via est per amid fallere nomen,
Tuta frequensque licet sit via, crimen habet
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»46 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
A safe and oonunon way it is by firiendship to deceivei
As safe and common as it ia, 'tis knavery, by yom" leave.
Joseph, the eldest son, is a drunken, rude, untowardly man; hee marryed a widow in Shrewsbury,
not unlike him in disposition (similis sitnili gaudtt )^ and yet these two live a very unquiet, and ungodly
life. This Joseph and his mother joining togeather, sold theire estate in Marton about two yeares
agoe, to Richard Groome and Richard Freeman, both of Marton, who divided it betweene them, and
the family erf the Wrights is whoaly extinct in this parish.
Acquisivit avus, pater et servavit avarus,
Prodigiis atqtte Nepos pauds vastavit in annis.
Anotha: share of this Seate beelongs to Formeston's tenement in Marton; it is the lands of the
Eaxle of Bridgewater. The famyly of the Formestons have beene tenants of it about three or four
generations, and is now allmost extinct. The first that I can give any accompt of, was John Forme-
ston. I finde that hee had two wives; the first was Anne, the second Dorothy. I findfe that
afterwards there was one Thomas Formeston in Marton, who for ought I know, was son to John
Formeston. This Thomas Formeston married with Margaret the daughter of Allen Challoner of
Myddle, blacksmith* Hee had ishue four sons, Thomas, Stephen, WflHam, and Samuel; hee had a
daughter named Susan, who was married to Bartholemew Pierce of Myddle. Beesides, I know not
whether hee had another daughter, who was married to one Nicholas Chaloner, a Blacksmith in Wem.
Thomas the eldest son was an Ironmonger in London, hee married there, and had a son named
Thomas, who was growne up to man's estate beefore the Plague happened in London, in the time of
King Charles I. And when the plague broke out in London, hee was sent downe to Marton, and
afterwards went for a soldier in the warrs, temp Car. primi, and died in the warrs.
Thomas Formeston, the Ironmonger, dyed of the plague in London. His brother Samuel was
with him att the time of his decease^ and had the disposing of his estate, for hee left no widow.
The next tenant was Stephen, the second son of Thomas. Hee had a son named Stephen, and a
daughter who was married to one Nathaniel Simcocks, who is present tenant of this tenement.
This Stephen the yonger was never marryed^ but was accompted to live a debauched life among lewd
women; and now (viz. about Christmas 1701,) a daughter of William Challoner has fathered a bastard
on him, and hee is fled out of the country. If hee retume not, this family as to males will bee
extinct in this parish, I shall have occasion to speak of William Formeston and Samuel hereafter.
Non bene succednnt mala opera ; — assequitur tardus
Oelerem, ut nunc Vulcanus, cum sit tardus, cepit
Martem.— ^y<?r^j/.
Ill deeds have ill success : revenge, though slow,
The swift* overtakes : slow Vulcan catches soe
Swift Mars.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE 147
The fourth Ptw adjoineing to the south wall beelongs to TyUf^s ttmment in Batderton^ NtghtingcUs in
MyddUy and Bhamfs in Mar ton.
t have spoaken allready of Tylefs fiunyly and Nightingale's.
Shaw's tenement is the Earle of Bridgewater's lands. It was formerly held by the family of the
Ashes. Richard Ash, the first that I can give any account of, had severall daughters, and one son
named Thomas. This Thomas Ash was a proper, comely petson ; his father gave hifli good comitry
education, which, with the benefit of a good naturall wit, a strong inemoty, a cufteOase and mild
beehaviour, a smooth and affable way of discourse, an honest and religiouse disposition, made him
a compleat and hopeful! young man, insomuch as Mr. Edwatd Hanmef, of Martdn, was easily
induced to give him his daughter Elizabeth to wife. This was t veiy suteaWe ihatch, for shee was
a lovely, proper gentlewoman, and soe like to her husband in disposition, that h shotfld seeftj^ there
was a sympathy in nature beetweene them, and therefore they lived a loveing and comfortable life
togeather. This Thomas Ash was not soe much blamed for beeing too nice in observeing the
Canons, as hee called them, of the first counseli of the Apostles att Jerusalem, in abstaming from
blood and things strangled as hee was comended for avoiding that abominable sm of prophane
swearing. — "Sed nihil est ex omni parte beatum." For this Thomas Ash was much in debt; but
how it was contracted I cannot say, unlesse hee was charged wi^ the pe^rmeat of portions to his
sisters, and I doubt hee had but litle portion with his wife;, howevev hee bom aft honest minde, and
was willing to pay every man, and to that end hee sett kis tenement to Edward Payne Of Meriton,
for ra3rseing of money to pay debts; and to shelter himselfe from the fateague of dims, hee listed
himselfe soldier in the King's service in the warres, tempore Car. I., and continued a soldier imtill
the King's forces were utterly dispersed, but never attained to any higher-post than a corporall of
foot. Att his retume, hee brought nothing home but a crazy body and many scarrs, the symptomes
of the dangerouse service which hee had performed, and besides, hee foimd litle of his debts payd,
for the payment of taxes and charges of repaires had taken up most part of the rent; but hee being
minded that none shouald lose by him, sold his lease to William Formeston. Hee had some
money to spare when hee had satisfyed his debts, and with that hee took a lease of Mr Crosse of
Yorton, of severall peices of ground neare Yorton Heathy and there hee built a litle warme house,
made a neate litle garden, planted a pretty horcyard, built severall outhouses, and made everjrthing
very handsome and convenient, and there hee and his loveing wife spent theire old age, though not
in a plentifull, yet in a peaceable and contented condition. There was but litle space betweene
the time of their deceases.
Sic ubi fata vocant, udis abjectns in herbis,
Ad vada, Mseandri conduit albus olor. — OM,
The dying Swap, adorned with sUver wings,
Soe in the sedges of Mseander sings.
William Formeston, the third son of Thomas Formeston, as I said before, married with Alice, the
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148 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
daughter of Roger Jukes, who was tenant, under the Earle of Bridgewater, of a cottage near Houl-
ston, but in the towneshipp of Myddle, where the family of the Jukes's had beene tenants for many
descents, and now this cottage came to William Formeston, by marriage; hee was a Weaver by trade,
but when hee had bought Ashe's lease hee sold this to Barthollomew Peirce, of Myddle, who gave
it by will to his youngest son, Nicholas Peirce, who now dwells in it.
William Formeston had three sonnes, Thomas, William, and John, and a daughter, named Mar-
garett, who was married to William Challoner of Myddle, cooper. Shee was suspected to bee but
a light housewife, but never openly defamed; butt shee left three daughters, two of which are as
impudent whores as any in this coimtiy; one of them has two bastards, and shee being nm out of
the country, they are both maintained by the parish. The other is now, (Jan. 20, 1701,) great with
a bastard, and at Christmas last was sent by order into Wem parish, where her last service and
settlement was. Shee has fathered itt on Stephen Formeston, her tmcle's son, and hee is fled.
Crede ratem ventis, animam ne crede puellis.
John Formeston is an husbandman, and some sort of a Gardiner. Hee lives near Wikey, in the
Eleaven Townes.
William the second son, was a hatter, but such an insatiable drunkard, that although hee is a
good workman, and was sett uppe severall times by his father, yet hee still spent all, and sold his
tooles, and hardly keeps cloathes on his back. I suppose his motto is.
Villa miretur vulgus, mihi flavus Apollo
Pocula Castalid plena ministret aqud.
Let Hindes bad ale admire, whilst I take thought for
Such as my hostesse ManseU takes a groat for.
Thomas the eldest son of William Formeston, succeeded his father as a tenant of this place;
hee married the widow of old Shaw of Stanwardine in the fields; shee was a harmlesse and almost
helplesse woman, but hee had a great fortxme with her. Shee had a son by old Shaw named Thomas
Shaw, to whom his father left a considerable fortune or portion, but Thomas Formeston gott it all
into his owne hands, and while it lasted hee lived very high. Hee put Thomas Shaw an apprentice
to William Watson, a taylor in Myddle Wood, and this Shaw marryed William Watson's sister.
But when Thomas Shaw came to age, money was wanting to pay his portion, and Thomas Forme-
ston sold his lease to Shaw, and with a pretty good stocke of cattell went to a farme neare Oswaldstrey
called Corduga, which was formerly the lands of Mr. Baker, of Sweeney, but was sold to Edward
lioyd of Leaton. But when Formeston had stayd there about one yeare, all his effects were seized
upon for rent, and hee removed to Oswaldstrey and sold ale there. But when hee was gott soe much
in debt there that hee could bee trusted noe longer, hee fled to London and left his wife behinde
him. Thomas Shaw tooke her to Marton and maintained her dureing her life; and now Thomas
Shaw is tenant of this tenement, and lives upon it in good fashion.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 149
Theftfi Few adjoineing to the south wall,
In Myddle Church beelongs to James Fewtrell*s tenement in Brandwood, to Nonele/s tenement
there, and to Taylor's tenement by the side of Divelin Lane.
James FewtrelFs tenement is the land of the Earle of Bridgewater ; it was formerley held by the
family of the Pickstockes, which was an antient family in this parish, and of such repute that Mr.
Chambre of Burleton, (father of Mr. Arthiu- Chambre now liveing,) took a daughter of this family to
wife. The last of the Pickstockes was Richard Pickstocke, who marryed with the daughter of one
Luskin, or Lovekin, a Tanner in Tylley. This Lovekin had a coppyhold estate in TyUey; his house
stood neare Wem Myll, for the towneship of Tylley goes toe Wem myll wheele. Hee had onely
two daughters who were co-heires to this coppyhold, and Pickstocke marryed the eldest, and soone
after dyed, and left her a yong widow, and left noe child beehinde him ; and thus that antient family
was extinct in this part of Myddle parish ; howbeit there is one Richard Pickstocke, who lives in
Haston, whose father Seth Pickstocke was a younger brother of this family. About this time,
Samuel Formeston, the yongest son of Thomas Formeston, of Marton, who was a Glover by trade,
was newly come from London, beecause of the Plague. Hee was a swaggering brave yong man and
a crafty sutle person. Hee gained the love of this widow, and marryed her, which soe displeased
the yoimger sister, that she would not come neare them ; butt the elder sister dyed not long after
and left noe child beehinde her, and then Margaret the yonger sister, who was soe discontented with
her sister for loveing and marrying Samuel Formeston, was content to marry with him herselfe, which
soone after was done. Ihis Samuel Formeston enfranchized the coppyhold lands of his wife in
Tylley. Hee enlarged his tenement in Brandwood by the addition of two peices of land called the
High Hiursts, which are the lands of the Earle of Bridgewater. These two peices were formerly in
lease to my great grandfather, who gave the lease of them to his second son, my uncle John Gough,
and hee took a new lease of them, and put in the lives of his son Richard, his daughter Mary, and
my life, (I suppose his daughter Elizabeth was not then borne,) but when my uncle John Gough had
purchased his farme in Besford, hee sold this lease to Richard Nightingale of Myddle, and not long
after Richard Nightingale sold this lease to Samuell Formeston, who to make all sure renewed the
lease and putt in three lives of his owne nameing, viz his owne, his wife's, and his daughter Margaret;
butt hee might have spared that money, for I and my Cozen Mary are yet liveing, and his money
was laid out about fifty yeares ago ; and although two of the lives of his nameing are yet liveing, yet
one of them is about twenty yeares older than either of us. Beesides, this Samuel Formeston about
twenty years (for a surae of money,) exchanged his owne life for his soimes, butt his son dyed beefore
him and soe that money was lost. This Samuel Formeston had onely one son, named Samuel ;
(hee lived to a man's estate and was an ingeniouse hopefull young man, but hee dyed uimiarryed ;)
and five daughters, Elizabeth who marryed with Francis Bayley, of Ellesmeare, a tanner; Mary who
marryed with Thomas Moore, of Myddle ; Margaret who marryed James Fewtrell ; Ellenor who
was marryed to one Davies, of West Franckton, and hee dying, shee is now marryed to Samuel, the
son of Captaine Heneage, and sells ale in Ellesmeare; Martha is married to John Jones, an Attorney
in B. R., hee is now Towne clarke, or deputy towne clarke of the Corporation of Oswaldstrey.
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James Fewtrell, a yonger brother of the antient and substantial femily of the FewtreHs of East-
hope, by the marriage of Margaret, came to bee tenant of this place, and soe continues, butt hee has
noe child. NotCy that the name of the Formestons is extinct in this parish, unlesse Stephen Formeston,
whom I named beefore, doe retunie.
Nonele/s tenements (for now it is parted in two) did formerly beelong to Bickley's tenement in
Brandwood. It is the Earle of Bridgewater's land. There was one Bickley, whose name was Morgan,
if I mistake not, who was charged with the payment of portions to two of his sisters j and beeing
imable to raise money, hee gave them some part of the lands of his tenement dureing his lease. The
sisters divided it, and one of tiiem marryed with one lUage ; shee had an antient house upon her
part The other was marryed to one Serjeant, and hee built a litle house on his part, and after sold
his part to Illage, who tooke a new lease of both parts, and made it one tenement Illage after
many yeares sold his lease to Thomas Noneley a yonger brother of the family of the Noneleys, of
Noneley; hee married a daughter of one Tyler of Sleape, a Freeholder of about £60 per annum,
oat of which lands in Sleape Mr. Gittins, the Vicar, has a small yearely chiefe rent, but by what
title or what cause I could never finde. This Thomas Noneley was a crosse, quarrelsome, and trou-
blesome man among his neighboiurs, and therefore not well beeloved. Hee lived pretty well in his
wife's time, though hee was then much given to drinkeing. Butt after his wife's decease hee went
all to nought, and was gott soe for in debt that hee was laid in Goale and sett his tenement, and
his poore children were forced to trust to themselves, and worke for theire liveing. Hee was soe
poore in Goale that hee wanted cloaths and meate, and therefore, to gett a litle money, hee was
hired to bee hangman att the execution of Thomas Parbott of Franckton, who was hanged, though
some say wrongfully, for the barbarouse murder of a day labourer, att Marchamley. This was a
disgrace to Noneley and is femily ever after. Whether hee dyed in prison, or was lett out for pytty,
I cannot tell, but sure I am that hee dyed very poore.
Thomas Noneley had two sons, Arthur and Francis ; beesides I know not whether hee had a son
called Richard, but I know not what came of him. Hee had three daughters, Johan and Rachell,
who marryed a baker in Shrewsbury, and another who was marryed to a man att Crosse Greene.
Johane was marryed to John Hill, a chandler in Wellington ; shee had noe child, and they lived in
pretty good condition. After the death of Thomas, this Hill beeing in possession att Brandwood,
sought to take a lease of this tenement, but Arthur haveing marryed a wife whose maiden name was
Rider, descended of a good but a decayed fsmuly in Montgomeryshire ; and haveing many children,
the Parish tooke a lease for him of that house and land which did formerly beelong to Serjeant; the
Parish paid the fine. John Hill tooke a lease of the other part and soe it beecame two small tene-
ments againe. John, the son of Arthur, now lives in the one ; and John Hill, his wife beeing dead,
lives in the other house. But James Fewtrell holds the ground and maintaines the old man, which
I reckon is almost done of charity. Francis the yoimgest son of Thixnas Ncxieley, was servant in
husbandry many yeares, but toward his later dayes hee lived hereabouts and worked here about at
day labour, and att harvest last hee had beene mowing for Mathew Win of Petton, and as hep came
homeward in the evening, and his Cozen Thomas Noneley with him, when hee was almost come to
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 151
Burleton, hee was taken with such an ilhiesse, that hee could goe noe further, but desired his cozen
to fetch a horse and bring him home. Some neighbours came to him, and hee told them he was a
dead man ; hee was taken by the way, and soe att Burleton townes end, not far from the Smyth^s
shop, hee dyed beefore his Cozen could come with an horse.
Vive Deo gratus, semper transireparatus.
Taylor's tenement is the Earle of Bridgwater's land. The information that I had from Abram
Taylor, the late tenant of this place, is this. When Divlin Wood was first incloased, there was a
considerable part of it left common on each side of the common way that leades betweene Myddle
and Burleton, and that one Abraham Taylor tooke a lease of this wast or common groimd, by the
name of Divelin Lane, and built an house upon it and incloased severall peices, leaveing a sufficient
iane or passage for a roade. I do remember one long peice incloased by the side of the road. This
Abraham Taylor that tooke the lease had two sons, Henry and Richard. This son Richard was a
tailor, and soe famouse in that trade, that hee was of good repute in his time, and that hee had
much custome, and lived in a handsome condition; hee lived in Loppington, and Aad one son very
unlike in moralls to his father, for the son was an idle drunken fellow, and for debt and some petty
misdemeacnors wa:s compelled to leave his country.
Henty the eldest son, was a weaver, and marryed Rose, the daughter of William Wagge, of Myddle
Wood, carpenter, and dureing his wife's life hee lived in some tolerable condition, butt after her
decease, hee let loose the reins to such extravagant courses, that hee soone spent his estate, and
then hired himselfe as a servant in husbandry with Mr. Gittins of Myddle. This was beefore the
warres, in the Reigne of King Charles i., att which time it was accompted a creditable imployment
to bee a souldier in the County Militia, and therefcre many persons that were maintainers, did
themselves serve as soldiers; and among the rest, Mr. Richard Gittins, father of Mr. Thomas Gittins,
Vicker of Loppington, did trayle a pike under Captaine Corbett of Albright Hussey : butt when the
waxrs broake out, the maintainers hired others to serve in theire stead, and Mr. Gittins hired this
Heniy Tayler att what time Sir William Brereton had made a Garrison for the Parliament att Nampt-
wich, and when the Militia for this County, and severall new raised Dragoones, were called togeather
to attack Namptwich, this Heiuy Taylor marched with them. The army quartered all night att
Whitchurch, and Sir William Brereton haveing notice of it, sent a party of Horse to beat up theire
quarters, who came upon them in theire bedds and easyly scattered them, and this Henry Tayler
going out at a back door found an harrow under the wall^ and takeing it on his backe, passed by the
soldiers unsuspected and when hee had carryed the harrow about a mile, and saw that hee was out of
danger, hee layd downe the harrow and came home.
Heiury Taylor had two sons, Thomas, who dyed in the warrs, and Abraham, who was a taylor
by trade. This Abraham was tenant of this tenement after his father, and had by his first wife Thomas,
who marryed the daughter of James Chidley, and lives now in Chidle/s tenement, (of which here-
after,) and a daughter named Mary, who went to London.
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Abraham Taylor, by a second wife, had a son named John, and a daughter named Elizabeth;
shee marryed with Rowland Stanway, a widower, soone after the death of his first wife. This Stanway
and his wife beecame poore in a short time, and Abraham Taylor gave them a peice of ground of
this tenement dureing his lease, on which this Stanway built a lytle dwelling house, and there lived
and dyed ; and here is to bee noted that a daughter of this Rowland Stanway, which hee had by
his first wife, lived as a servant in Wem, att what time a very violent feaver raged there, and comeing
home sicke, although shee recovered, yett her father, Rowland Stanway, caught the feaver and dyed,
and Abraham Taylor and his wife comeing often to visit him, gott the feaver and both dyed; and
John Taylor, theire son, comeing to see them in theire sicknesse, fell sicke and dyed. These foure
dyed all in about one month's space, about two or three yeares agoe, and now Elizabeth, the widow
of this Rowland Stanway, is tenant of this tenement Shee marryed with a Samuel Hordley, a.d. 1706,
but had one bastard, if not more, before shee marryed.
7 he sixt Seat adjoineing to the South Wall
In Myddle Church belongs to my antient tenement in Newton, of which I have spoaken before:
and to Mansel's tenement in Myddle, of which I have likewise spoaken before ; and there was an
house or cottage in Myddle wherein one John Lloyd lived. The tenants of this cottage did usually
sit in this seate, but whether of right or by leave I know not: but I have heard that it was by leave.
This cottage stood upon the lands of the Lloyds of Myddle, and was built for John Lloyd, a yoimger
brother of that family, who was a Weaver, and after him William Vaughan, a weaver, and Adam Dale,
a mason, dwelt both togeather in this cottage. This William Vaughan was a Welshman, and was
a soldier severall yeares under King Charles i. Hee had a sister, named Margaret, who came into
this country to bee a servant to Mr. Kinaston, Rector of Myddle, and was marryed to Francis Cleaton
eldest son of William Cleaton, of the HoUins, and this brought William Vaughan into this Parish.
Hee was never marryed. Hee had a brother, named Reece or Eavan, I know not whether; and was
a soldier, and killed in the warrs.
Adam Dale was borne at Cheswardine, in Staffordshire; hee was apprentice with Michael Wright,
a freemason, and an excellent workman. Adam was an honest, laboriouse man, but not soe good a
workman as his Master. Hee was marryed, and had one son, named Adam, who died beefore hee
came to maturity. Afterward Thomas Forster a weaver dwelt in this cottage. The house is now
pulled downe; it stood neare the Parsonage House, in the yard that is now incloased with a stone
wall; and since a seat in Church beelongs to an house and not to land, I conceive this kneeling
(although it were of right) cannot bee claimed by Mr. Lloyd.
The seaventh Seate adjoineing to the South Wall of Myddle Churchy
Belongs to Vicar Gittins' tenement in Newton, to Wolph's tenement in Myddle, to Morice's tene-
ment in Marton, and to Highway's cottage in Myddle. Mr. Gittin's tenement in Newton was
formerly the land of that antient and worthy famyly of the Banasteis, of HadnalL Roger Gough,
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE 153
who was brother to my Great Grandfather's fether, had a lease of this tenement for his life and the
life of Guen his wife: they had noe child, and after the expiration of this lease, Mr. Gittins of Myddle,
purchased it. The first tenant that Mr. Gittins had here was one Chidley a weaver, who was
marryed, butt had noe child. This Chidley, in his later dayes, was distracted, and would walke
abroad all night, making a noise and complaineing of taxes and tallages, when perhaps hee had less
need than is now. I can remember his widow liveing in a lyde house in Newton that had noe chim-
ney; butt Mr. Gittins built a better house upon this tenement, and sett it to Richard Preece, son of
Griffith Ap Reece, of Newton ; hee after some yeares, removed to Broughton, and one John Bennion,
a taylor, lived in it. Hee marryed Elizabeth, the daughter of John Hall, alias Dudleston, of Myddle;
and soone after went for a soldier and died in the warrs. After him John Trevor was tenant of it;
hee was son of Francis Trevor, a younger brother of the family of the Trevors of Rushley, who mar-
ryed the daughter of William Smith, of Acton Reynold. This Francis was a drunken, debauched
person, but his wife was a quiet, modest, laboriouse woman, and this John Trevor imitated his
mother's moralls. Hee marryed a wife, whose name was Anne, but had noe child by her; they were
both prudent and laboriouse people, and lived well. After her death hee marryed a servant of Mr.
Richardson, Rector of Myddle ; her name was Sarah. Hee dyed beefore her, and afterwards shee
marryed one John Powel, a Welshman, who pretended to have some skill in Chirurgery. Mr. Gittins
beeing informed that this Powell had some phanaticall opinions, would not admit him to bee his
tenant, and therefore hee tooke his wife into Wales, and now lives att a place called Treverclodd,
which is two miles beside Oswaldstrey. Afterward Andrew Paine, son of Edward Paine, of Mer-
rington, tooke this tenement and now lives in it. Butt yett I must say something of the tenants of
die house wherein Anne Chidley lived; for after her decease Richard Clarke, of whom I have spoaken
att large before, built a chimney in this house, and held onely the house and garden : while hee was
a quaker hee burryed severall of his children, and I thinke one of his wives in this garden. Hee had
one Quaker's meeting att this house, but few if any of the neighbours went to heare them. When hee
removed to Myddle, Thomas Davis, a weaver who now lives att the Wood Lesows by Myddle Wood,
came to bee tenant to it. Of him I have spoaken before, but somewhat I must say of his wife :
Margaret the wife of Thomas Davis dyed on the 17 th day of this instant, January, 1701. Shee tooke
cold in childe-bearing, above twenty yeares beefore her death; shee was seized thereby with paine
and lamenesse in her limbs, and made use of severall remedyes for cureing thereof, butt all proved
ineffectual. At last, as shee was in an Apothecary's shop buying ointments and ingredients for fomen-
tations my unde, Mr. Richard Baddely, an able chirurgeon, saw her and asked her how shee gott her
lamenesse: shee sayd by takeing could in child-birth. Then says hee spare this charges and labour,
for all the Doctors and Surgeons in England cannot cure it Thou mayest live long, butt thy
strength will still decay. After this shee went to lytle more charges, onely when King James II.
came his progresse to Shrewsbury, shee was admitted by the King's Doctors to goe to His Majesty
for the Touch, which did her noe good. Shee was forced to use crootches almost 20 yeares agoe,
and I thinke it is now 10 yeares since shee grew soe weake that shee was faine to bee carryed in
persons' armes. About two years-and-an-halfe before her death, shee kept her bedde continually; she
was bowed soe togeather, that her knees lay cloase to her brest; there was nothing but the skin and
bones upon her thighs and legges. About a yeare-and-a-halfe past, her two thigh bones broake as
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154 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
shee lay in bedde, and one of them burst through the skin and stood out about an inch^ like a dry
hollow sticke, but there was noe flesh to bleed or corrupt ; shee could stir noe part of her body
save her head and one of her hands a lytle. When shee was dead they did not endeavor to draw
her body straite, butt made a wide coffin and putt her in as shee was. I heard one say that was
present att lajring her in her coffin, that as they layd her downe one of her legge bones broke and
gave a cracke, like a rotten sticke; and it is not to bee forgotten that the Vicar Gittins, seeing that
/ Thomas Davis had a great charge of children, and his wife lame upon his hands, did give him his
house and garden rent free while hee lived in itt : —
Habet in adversis auxilia qui in secundis commodat
Non est dontim quod pauperi datur sed foenus.
Another seat in this Pew beelongs to Wolfe's tenement in Myddle, of which tenement and the
tenants thereof I have spoaken before. I shall onely adde here, that I have not observed any tenant
of that place sit in that Pew since the death of Richard Wolfe; and I believe the reason was
because, first, Richard Clarke lived in this tenement after Richard Wolfe and this Clarke was an
Anabaptist, and then a Quaker, and at last a Papist, but all the while I know not what butt hee
never came to Church. After that Mr. William HoUway, Rector of Myddle, tooke a lease of this
tenement, and one Michael Braine, jun. was his sub-tenant, who because his father who lived in
Myddle, had a better seate in Church did usually sit there, and now this Michael Braine beeing
dead, his widow (when shee comes to Church) sits in another Pew wherein there is a kneeling
belonging to this tenement.
Another Seat in this Pew belongs to Morrice*s tenement or cottage in Marton, which formerly was
the lands of Lloyd Pierce, Esq., and was purchased by Thomas Acherley, and now belongs to his
son Andrew Atcherley. There was one Holland who was formerly tenant to it who had a lease of
it for his owne life, and his wife's life, and the life of his daughter, whose name I thinke was Margery.
This daughter was marryed to one Thomas Morrice, a millwright, and they had one daughter who
manyed Arthur the son of Andrew Davis of Marton. The house that belonged to this tenement
stood a lytle distant from the lane or street in Marton which leads by Mr. Atcherle/s house, in a
yard that lyes betweene Marton Towne Meadow and Mr. Acherley's bames. When the wife of
Thomas Morrice dyed which was about three yeares agoe, Andrew Acherley pulled downe the house
and sett it upp againe by the side of the lane that leads from Marton to Burleton, and there Arthur
Davies and his wife are now liveing and doe maintaine Thomas Morrice who is very aged and blind
if not deaf.
Another seat in this Pew beelongs to Chaloner's Cottage, now Highway's, in Myddle. Itt is the
Earle of Bridgewater's land. The house stands over against the east side of Myddle Churh-yard; it
was built for a smith's house and shopp on a wast place by the side of Myddle-street; the garden
and horcyard adjoineing to it are very small, but there are two peices that were taken out of Myddle
Wood now beelonging to it ; one of them is neare to the Clay-Lake att the upper end of Myddle
towne, and a bame is built upon it for there is noe convenient roome to build a bame at the house.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLK 155
The first tenant of this cottage that I can give any accompt of was Allen Challoner, a blacksmith,
and perhaps it was built by him. Hee had two sons, Richard and Geoige and a daughter named
Margery, who was marryed to Thomas Formestone of Martoa Gcoige was a blacksmith and suc-
ceeded his father as tenant of this cottage; Richard was a cooper of whom I hope to speake when
I come to the next Pew.
George Chaloner marryed Elinor the sister of William Tyler, of Balderton; hee had ishue by her,
Richard and Allen. This Richard was an imtowardly liver, very idle and extravagant, endeavouring
to suply his necessytyes rather by stealeing than by his honest labour. Hee was bound over to
appeare att the Assizes for stealeing a cow from one of his kinsmen : the owner was bound to prose-
cute, but his imcle William Tyler tould the prosecutor that this Chaloner was his kinsman, and it
would be a disgrace to him as well as to the rest of his friends to have him hanged, and that his
fiiends would raise £5 among them to pay for the cow in case hee would forbeare the prosecution.
To this the prosecutor agreed; hee received the £5. Hee preferred noe bill and Challoner was quitt
by prodaxnation; but soone after William Tyler threatened the prosecutor that hee would mine or
hang him for takeing a bribe to save a thiefe, and by this menaceing caused the prosecutor to pay
backe the £5 to Tyler. This Richard Challoner was vehemently suspected by Thomas Acherley, of
Marton, concerning an attempt to robbe him. This Thomas Acherley, Grandfather to Andrew
Acherley that now is, was a tanner and used Oswaldstrey markett constantly and brought much
money thence; and as hee was coming homeward in the night hee found the gate at the old Mill
brooke, neare Marton, made fast, and as hee stooped to open it hee saw a man with a dub staflfe
arije out of the hedge and offer a blow att him, butt the horse starting, Thomas Acherley escaped
the blow and hee roade away and escaped. Hee often declared itt was this Challoner that offered
to strike him.
Allen the younger son of George was a blacksmith and good workman ; hee marryed Margaret
sister of Thomas Pickerton, of Loppington, and had one daughter named Margarett, who marryed
with Thomas Highway, who was borne in or neare the Parish of Wroxeter; hee is now tenant of this
cottage and Parish Clarke of Myddle.
Tike eighth Pew adjoineing the South wall
In Myddle Church has a post in it that bears a beame, which goes over crosse the Church. This
Pew belongs to Jones' tenement in Marton, to Parker's tenement in Myddle Wood, to William
Challoner's tenement in Myddle Wood, andunlesse I mistake there is a share in this Pew beelonging
to John Horton's tenement in Myddle. The tenement in Marton was formerly the lands of Mr.
Corbett, of Stanwardine: one Jones, a butcher, was tenant of it; hee had two sons Francis and
Richard. This Richard was bred up to husbandry; hee marryed and lived some while in this Parish,
and after lived att a place calledthe Meare Banke m Baschurch parish, and I think dyed there.
Francis went to bee a servant att Stanwardine Hall when l^ee was butt yong; hee continued there
a meaniall servant above 30 yeares, and after hee was marryed hee beelonged to the family whilst
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156 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
hee was able to doe service, butt his wife lived at Marton. Hee was somewhat serviceable to
gentlemen in any thing that they could imploy him in as a serveing man. Hee was Butler many
yeares j hee had skill in fishing, fowling, hawking, hunting, makeing of settmg doggs, and was some-
while keeper of Stanwardine Park; in sum hee was one att every thing and good or excellent att
nothing. Hee marryed with Anne the sister of one Thomas Giles of Cockeshutt, and had ishue,
Thomas, Elizabeth, and Letice. This Letice was marryed to Richard Menlove, who happened by
the death of his Uncle Mr. William Menlove, of Aston, neare Wem, to become heire to a coppyhold
estate of about £60 per annum, in Aston. Butt hee immediately upon the death of his uncle sued
for the estate while the widow was liveing, and soe brought himselfe in debt and sold it to Richard
Corbett, of Moreton Corbett, Esq. Elizabeth was manned to the son of George Higginson of Wem;
shee now lives in a cottage on Myddle Wood. Thomas was a butcher, and marryed Anne the
daughter of George Ralphs of Marton ; hee dyed about middle age and left many children beehinde
him. After the decease of Francis Jones, Mr. Thomas Corbett sold this tenement to Richard Groome
of Marton, who built a new house upon it, and now one Hugh Pritchard is tenant of it
Parker's tenement is a house on Myddle Wood, which stands by the side of that way which goes
on the south side of Myddle Wood, and leades from Myddle to Marton; it is the Earle of Bridg-
water's land; and was formerly held by one John Wagge, a carpenter, who as it is thought built this
house and incloased some peices out of Myddle Wood, and made itt a small tenement His son
William Wagge who was alsoe a carpenter, was tenant of this place after him. This William Wagge
had many daughters, one of which was marryed to William Parker, who thereby came to bee tenant
of this place; hee was a person that aflfected to be accompted somebody in this parish, and therefore
. procured to bee made Bayliife of this Manor. Hee alsoe had a great desire to bee made Church-
warden of this parish, which att last hee obtained. It was sayd that hee gave a side of bacon to
Robert Moore, to the end hee would persuade his brother the Rector to choose him Churchwarden,
and afterwards hee made that yeare the epoch of his computation of all accidents, and would usually
say such a thing was done soe many yeares beefore or after the yeare that I was Churchwarden.
Hee has a son named Thomas and a daughter named Elizabeth. Shee was marryed to one Dyas,
a weaver, who came from the Long Oake in the Eleven Townes; hee lived somewhile att Myddle
Wood, and afterwards returned to his owne neighbourhood. Thomas was a carpenter, and a very
ingeniouse workman; hee went over into Ireland in the cloase of the warrs, temp. Car. i., and after
some yeares returned and sold his lease of this place to one Richard Rogers and went back into
Ireland. Richard Rogers is a taylor, hee came when hee was a yong man into this parish and tooke
a chamber with Francis Jones of Marton, and worked in this neighbovurhood. Hee marryed a wife
and lived in Mr. Gittins's house att the higher well in Myddle. Hee removed thence to Petton,
and there his first wife dyed and hee marryed a daughter of Michael Braine, of Myddle, who was a
widow and had formerly beene wife to Robert Davies, borne in Hadnall wood in this parish. Shee
dyed some yeares after and then hee marryed Elizabeth Astley; shee was daughter of one Robert
Fardoe who lived some time in Burleton, and after in Myddle. Shee was marryed first to one
Thomas Jones, then to Ralph Astley, and after his death to this Richard Rogers. Shee is alsoe
dead and hee has solde his tytle to one William Willetts. Butt here I confesse I have made a mistake
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 157
for I finde that the seate belonging to this tenement is in the pew next above this, and beecause I see
that I have named soe many persons to have shares in the seventh Pew I doubt I am mistaken there,
and I make a quaere whether the seat beelonging to Wolfe's tenement bee not in the sixth Pew; butt
I am confident that a share in this eighth seate beelongs to William Challoner's tenement in Myddle
Wood. This is the Earle of Bridgwarter's land, and was inclosed out of that part of Myddle Wood
which lyes toward Marton, and is called the Hooke of the Wood. There was one Richard Challoner
of Myddle, a cooper, hee was son of Allen Challoner, blacksmith, hee marryed Katrine daughter of
Richard Wolfe of Myddle; I suppose hee inclosed this tenement and built the house. Hee had a
cottage in Myddle which Edward Baxter now lives in (of which hereafter).
Richard Challoner had a son named Allen who was tenant of this tenement His wife's name
was Jane. Hee had a son named William and two daughters, Joan and Elizabeth, I cannot tell
whether hee had more daughters. Joan was marryed to William Cleaton of Hollins; Elizabeth was
marryed to Stephen Price of Burleton, a blacksmith. William marryed Margaret daughter of William
Formestone of Marton; hee had ishue, 3 daughters. Margaret who was marryed to Edward Baxter.
Elizabeth and Joan are very lewd women, they were a great griefe to theire father; some say theire
ill wayes broake his heart, hee was very aged and dimme sighted if not blinde; hee dyed January
the 1 8th, 1 701, in which weeke three aged persons dyed in this parish. This William Challoner
dyed on Sunday; Anne the wife of John Groome of Houlston, dyed on Monday, shee was very old
and had beene blinde and deafe many yeares; Margaret the wife of Thomas Davies dyed on Friday,
shee had beene lame above twenty yeares, butt of her I have spoaken beefore. William Ch?lloner
before his death sold his lease to Stephen Price aforesaid who is now tenant of it
Tk^ ninth Pew adjoining to the South wall
Belongs to Hordley*s tenement in Myddle, Edge's tenement in Marton, Ralphe's tenement in
Marton, and Black Eavan's tenement in Martoa
Of Hordle/s family I have spoaken beefore.
Edge's tenement is the Earle of Bridgewater's land; it is a small thing and lyes beetweene Marton
and Petton, neare a place called the Rowlands. Itt was formerly held by the famyly of the Edges,
and thereof gott that name; butt this famyly beeing extinct in this Parish, Thomas Acherley, late of
Marton, tooke a lease of itt, and gave it to his yongest son Richard att marriage, and now Mr.
Thomas Harwood, a grocer in Salop, who marryed the widow of this Richard Atcherley, is tenant of
it, butt hee has parted with it to one Edward Price, a myller who lives in 1706.
Ralphe's tenement is the Earle of Bridgewater's land, and has beene held for severall ages by the
family of the Ralphes, which is very antient in this Parish. The first that I will mention is John
Ralphs, who in the yeare 1591, marryed Anne the daughter of John Wagge, of Myddle wood, car-
penter, and had issue by her four sonnes John, George, Richard, and Andrew, This Andrew was
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iS8 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
servant to Sir Edward Kinaston of Oateley, but hee was such a proud conceited fellow that hee was
not beloved by his fellow-«ervants and was derided by other gentleman's servants. Hee marryed the
daughter of one Bernard Allen, a cooper, who dwelt att Newton and Spoonbill, neare Elesmeare >
shee was a papist and by her persuation hee beecame of that opinioa
Richard the third son was some time Parish Clarke of Myddle as I said beefore. Hee had two
wives, and daughters by both of them; his last wife is yett liveing, her name is EUenor ; shee can knitt
very well, and thereby getts her maintenance.
George, the second son, was a carpenter ; hee had a son, named John, who now lives in Edge's
tenement of which I spoake beefore, and a daughter named Anne who was sometime servant to the
Lord of Powes, and there shee became a papist Att her retume shee was marryed to Thomas the
the son of Francis Jones, of Marton; and had many children by her; one of them is sett out appren-
tice by the parish. After the death of Thomas Jones shee went to bee servant to Madam Clifford of
Lea Hall, and there shee marryed Nicholas Astley an Irishman and a papist ; they both live now in
Marton in that tenement which wee call Blacke Eavan's tenement
John the eldest son had issue, John who succeeded his father and is now tenant of this place ;
hee is a peaceable man, butt hee has imbibed some phanaticall oppinions, and comes not to Church.
Blacke Eavans's tenement is Mr. Acherle/s land; it was held by one Eavan Jones who was
called Black Eavan, because there was another Eavan Jones who lived in Myddlewood, and him
they called Eavan Soimdsey. After Blacke Eavan, one Thomas Groome a quaker lived in this
tenement many yeares ; hee was son to Thomas Groome of Fennimeare, who was brother to my
grandmother and marryed the daughter of one Peter Trevor a wealthy farmer in Fennimere. This
Thomas Groome the yonger marryed the sister of one Thomas Hole of Weston, who was a quaker ;
hee dyed not many yeares ago, and now Nicholas Aston lives in this tenement.
The tenth Pew adjoining to the south wall
Beelongs to Watson's tenement, in Myddlewood, Thomas Davis' cottage in Marton, Baxter's
cottage in Myddle, and Childlow's tenement or cottage in Myddle.
Watson's tenement is the Earle of Bridgewater's land, and was taken out of Myddle-wood common.
One Roger Mould was formerly tenant of it. Roger Mould had three sonnes Thomas, John, and
William, and a daughter named Sarah. Thomas was cooke many yeares to Mr. Baker, of Sweeney.
Hee marryed a wife att Weston Rin neare Sweeney, and there dyed.
John was groome of the stable to Mr. Barker. Hee marryed the dayr}'maid, and went to live in
^ Whittington and there hee dyed.
William was a hatter butt I can give noe further accompt of him. Sarah marryed William Watson,
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 159
a taylor, who thereby come to bee tenant of this place ; hee had issue, William and Francis, and a
daughter who is marryed to Thomas Shaw of Marton. Francis manyed Hannah, widow of Richard
Guest of the Towneship of Myddle. William is a tailor, and marryed a daughter of Thomas Mould,
of whom I spoake beefore.
Thomas Davies' cottage in Marton was the lands of Lloyd Peirce, Esq. and is now Mr. Acherle/s
It was held by one Thomas Clare and after by his son Roger Clare who had five or six daughters;
and one Thomas Davis a weaver, borne in the parish of St. Martin, marryed one of Clare's daughters,
(I think her name was Dorothy,) and thus hee beecame tenant of this place. Of these two persons
Thomas Davis and his wife hath proceeded such a numerouse offspring in this parish, that I have
heard some reckon up, takeing in wives and husbands, noe less than sixty of them and the greater
part of them have beene chargeable to the parish. Many great familyes in this parish have been ex-
tinct, but this has gott soe many branches that it is more likely to overspread it. I will not goe to
particulars, butt onely say.
Si xnihi sint linguiB centum, sint oraque centam«
Hujus non possem percurrere nomina gentis.
Baxter's cottage is the Earle of Bridgewater's, it was held by that family of the Chaloners who
where coopers of which I havespoaken already. This Edward Baxter marryed Margaret the eldest
daughter of William Chaloner and soe came to bee tenant of tt. One thing I may adde, that Allen
Chaloner the cooper, lived most part of his time att the tenement in Myddle wood, and did sett this
cottage in Myddle to one Thomas Pickeren who sold ale. Hee had a son Richard and a daughter
named Joan. Richard was a laboriouse man ; hee went to London and was servant to a refiner of
silver and lived in good fashion. Joan was third wife to Francis Trevor, a younger brother of that
antient family of the Trevors of Fennimeare ; hee lived in Haremeare lodge and had four sons by
her William, Francis, Thomas, and Richard ; what beecame of the two first I know not. But
Thomas was marryed and lived at Haston; hee dyed some yeares since, and left a widow and a son
beehinde him. Richard is my tenant and lives in a house by the side of the old field-lane. After
the decease of old Francis Trevor, his widow marryed one Arthur Darnell, a strong man and a stout
workman ; hee dyed beefore her.
Pax fida ministra laboris.
Chidlow's tenement is the Earle of Bridgewater's land ; it is now in lease to Mr. Lloyd of Myddle.
One Thomas Chidlow did live in the house, which was then a poore pitifiiU hutt, built up to an old
oake, butt now it is a better house ; it stands neare the side of the lane called Divlin lane formerly,
and now Taylor's lane. Thus Chidlow had four sonnes Roger, Thomas, Samuell, and James. Roger
lived many yeares a servant to old Roger Sandford, of Newton, and had laid by some money and
marryed Alice, the daughter of Richard Wolfe, of Acton Reynold, and soone after dyed. I thinke
hee had noe child.
Thomas was servant to Rose Hancox, of Broughton, a widow and afterwards marryed her. After
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i6o ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE,
her decease hee was husbandman to Captaine Corbett of Shawbnry parke ; hee dyed there, and
left most part of his money to his master.
Samuell marryed Elizabeth Beech of Acton Reynold, shee was left fatherlesse and motherlesse
when shee was yong, and was sett apprentice by the parish of Shawbury to my uncle William Wakely
of Acton; shee proved a good servant, and lived in that family above twenty yeares, and was
marryed from thence.
Samuel Chidlow and his wife were both provident and laboriouse persons, and gott an estate in
money, and having onely one son and one* daughter. This Samuel by his last will left Cioo to his
wife, £ioo to his son, and £200 to his daughter. James Chidlow continued tenant of this place
after his father. Hee had onely one daughter who was marryed to Thomas, the eldest son of
Abraham Taylor, who is now ^ub-tenant of this place.
Tk^ Ekaventh Pew adjoining to the South wall
Is claimed by Daniell Hanmer for his cottage in Myddle wood, and William Candlin for his
cottage in Myddle.
This pew I believe was supernumerary att the uniformeing of the seates, and that these cottages got
into it and now claime a priviledge in it.
This Cottage of Hanmer's stands at the south side of Myddle Wood, betweene the end of the lane
that goes from Myddle wood to Fennimere, and the end of the Lynch lane. There was one John
Ellice a butcher, who came from Hanmer in Flintshire, into this parish, and dwelt in a litle cottage
on the south side of Myddle wood, wherein one Richard Rogers son of Richard Rogers, a glover now
dwelleth. This John Ellice because hee came from Hanmer was called Ellice of Hanmer, and I
finde both in the Court Rolls and in the parish register that hee is named John Ellice, alias Hanmer.
Hee had three sonnes, Richard, Thomas, and Abraham, butt I know not which of them was eldest.
Richard was married and lived some while in the Mearehouse att Haremeare, and afterwards
removed to Sanbach forge and was there imployed to oversee the coales.beelonging to the forge and
there dyed. Thomas was brought up to bee a good English scholer; hee was somewhile a plowboy
att Acton Hall where my grandfather was then BayliiTe, but this Hanmer was soe crosse among the
servants that hee was turned off, and then kept a petty schoole at Shawbury; and when hee was
growne to bee a man, Mr. Wood who was then Vicar of Shawbury and Parson of Cund, imployed
him to read service att Shawbury when hee was att Cund. This Mr. Wood left mee £5 by his last
will; but what reason hee had for it I cannot tell. I remember that I received the money att Shaw-
bury when I was but m side coats : it was putt into my hat and I had much to doe to beare it.
Thomas Hanmer had a son whom hee brought up to bee a scholer; hee was sent to Oxford and was
att last made Dr. of Divinity, and marryed a wife whose maiden name was Eddowes, of a good
family in Cheshire. Hee was parson of Maurwheale, neare Wrexham, a good benefitt and hee was
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. i6i
a good preacher, butt lived a troublesome life beeing always in the law with his parishoners, especially
with the Lady Brougton. Hee dyed att Maurwheale.
Abraham Hamner was a litigiouse person among his neighbours much given to the law. Hee
marryed Katherine Emry, whose father and ancestors had for a long time beene tenants of this
cottage that I now speake of and by this meanes hee beecame tenant to it Hee had noe child and
therefore hee tooke this Daniell, a bastard of his brother Thomas, and brought him up as his child.
Daniel Hanmer marryed the daughter of Richard Owen, of a place called Gothoms or Goddens,
in Yorton Towneshipp. Of this Richard Owen there is a strange and remarkeable story which I will
relate beecause I am sure that it is a certaine truth: — This Richard Owen was seized with a violent
(kver which in a few dayes deprived him of his reason and understanding butt not of his speech, soe
that hee talked anything that came in his &ncy and was like a man in a frenzy, soe that they had
much to doe to keep him in bedde; but afterwards his sicknesse brought him soe weake that his
speech failed and att twelve days end hee dyed, and according to the usuall manner hee was laide
straite upon his bedde, his eyes, were closed and onely one linen sheet cast over him. Thus hee con-
tinued one whoale day whilst his wife was takeing care to provide for his buriall; shee procured her
sister Jane Tyldesley of Newton, to beare her company all night for her children were yong. These
two women sate by the fire all night, and about that time of night which wee account cock croweing
they heard something give a great sigh, Alice Owen said it was Richard, butt Jane Tyldesley would
not believe it. They tooke a candle and went into the chamber and cast the sheet from of his face
and perceived noe alteration in him. Jane Tyldsley sayd it was some beast that was on the outside
of the house. They tooke the candle and went round the outside of the house but found nothing.
They came and sat againe by the fyre and soone after heard the same noise againe. Then they went
to Richard Owen and found him all one as they left him; however they stayd by him and after some
time they saw him open his mouth and give a sigh: then they warmed the bedde clothes and layd
them upon him, and by that time that it was day the couler came in his face and hee opened his eyes
on his owne accord, and by noone hee recovered his speech though very weakely. Hee continued
weake for a long time, but att last recovered his perfect health and strength and lived after this above
twenty yeares.
This makes me remember the saying of that famouse Dr. Goddard, who when I was a youth was
much conversant and had great practice in this coimtry. Hee gave that soveraine potion called
Goddard's dropps. Hee was used to say that hee was confident that many English people were
buryed alive; for if they had been kept in theire warme bedds for forty-eight houres many of them
would have recovered.
Candlen's cottage is the Earle of Bridgewater's land and was formerly held by John Mathews, a
yonger brother of the femyly of the Mathews of the house att the highter well in Myddle. Hee was
a cobbler, and haveing full imployment hee followed his worke constantly and soe maintained himselfe
and family. Hee had two children, John and Anne. Shee was marryed to some man beeyond
Elesmeare. John was of his father's profession; hee was commonly called Lytle John Matthews, hee
U
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i6^ ANtlQUltlEfr A]*I> MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
had ottt Aiughter nastied Mary, ^o was somewhile a servant tty Mr. Manwaring of Sleape Hall, and
there shee manyed her fellow-servant John Foden, a Cheshire man. These came to live in Mr. Lyster's
cheife farme in Broughton, where they kept a good stocke of cows and a good teame of horses with
which hee carryed goods to London; they were in a very thriveing condition and had one son named
Phillip. But this John Foden dyed and soone after his widow's stocke began to decrease, and then
shee came to the Redd Bull and there' sold ale, and afterwards came to this cottage in Myddle and
there shee sold ale, and marryed with one Nathaniell Piatt who was son of Daniel Piatt, a cobbler in
Wem. This Nathaniel Piatt was a SchoUer and taught schoole in Myddle, and was Rector of Ford,
a small benefice of about £6 per annum. Philip Foden was a Drawer in London, and afterwards
marryed there and beecame a Vintner, butt hee broake and soone after dyed ; yett after his mother's
decease hee had taken a new lease of this cottage, and beefore hee dyed had sold it to a Vintner in
London, who sold it againe to William Candlen, who marryed a daughter of Richard Chaloner of
Myddle. This, house was burnt not long since.
Hk^ iwdveth Pew adjomdf^ the South waU
Is claimed by the tenants of Chalonai^s Cottage, late Clarke's in Myddle Wood. This was a
supernumerary pew att the unifbrming of the seates, and Richard the son of Morgan Clarke of Hare-
meare HiHi who when bee had marryed a daughter oi Richard Chaloner of Myddle, cooper, built a
house on Myddle Wood, and incloased severall peic6s to it and ^ptt into this seate and soe came to
claime Title to it Hee had a son named Richard of whom I have spoaken beefore; hee had a
daughter who was marryed to one Richard Chaloner (^ a place called the Brown Heiath which lyes
betweene Loppington and Franckton. This Chalons after the death of Richard Clarke, senior,
came hither^ and the son of this Chaloner is tenant of it now.
The Thirteenth is a small seat oH the South dore of Myddle Church
It was made by Evan Jones who was called Soundsey Eavan, of some waste planks and boards
that were a spare att the uniformeing of the peiws. This Eavan Jones was a Welshman. Hee
couald speake neither good Welsh nor English; hee was servant to Mr. Gittins of Myddle, and
marryed with one Sarah Foulke who was bom in Myddle, and built a lytie hutt upon Myddle Wood
neare the Clay lake, att the higher end of the towne and incloased a peice out of the Common.
This lytle hutt was afterwards burnt, and haveing a collection made in the parish and neighbourhood
hee built a pretty good house. Hee had two sonnes, Richard and William, and a daughter named
Mary. Richard dyed unmarryed. William marryed with a daughter of one Henry Madox, who was
a carpenter and a good workeman; hee was borne in Haston butt att that time lived att Myddle, in
a lytle house of Mr. Llojrd^ att the higher end of the towne. This William built a cottage on
Myddle Wood, and inclosed ground to it neare the lower end of that which Clarke had formerly
incloased. Mary was marryed to one Groome and is nowe a widow and lives in the house that her
father built
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MVpDLE.
163
Thus I condude ooSM:encuxig the seates in Myddle Church, and thf yeare ^701 ; in sridch .yeare
dyed the Right Honorable Jolm, Earle of Bridgevai^y Viscoomt Biackley, and Baxon^sf Fiewneme,
l.ord of the Manor of Myddle. In and abottt this yeare thece happened a gxwutmoitaUyty of Noble-
men in this KingdcMBe j for I finde that &om the beginning of S^. 1700 to 6q3t 1701^ ^diere haive
dyed the
DukeofGlocestser,
Duke of Bolton,
Duke of Bedford,
Duke of Beauford,
Duke of Norfolke,
Marquis of Hallifast,
Two Earles of Bath,
Earle of Leicester,
Earle of Bridgewater,
Earle of Exeter,
Earle of Huntington,
Earle of TankerviD,
Toto 25.
Barle of ^arwicke,
Lord Viscoimt Fdconbridge,
Lord Viscount Lonsdal^
Lord Carington,
Lord Dudley and Ward,
Lord Arundell, of Wamor,
Lord Comewallis,
Lord Clifford,
Lord Howard, of Effingham,
Lord Chiefe Justice Treby,
Bishop of Worcester,
Bishop of Hereford.
There dyed alsoe in the Autumnal quarter of this yeare, 1701, in this County of Salop, three Knights
Baronets, and five Esqrs.
JCnighis Banmds.
Sir Udall Corbett,
Sir Francis Edwards,
Sir Thomas WoLrich,
Esquires,
Soudley Eyton, Esq.
George Weld, Esq.
Jonathan Langley, Esq.
——Fox, of the Hurst, Esq.
Thomas Ireland, Esq.
Beesides in the borders of our County there died about Michaelmas last, Sir John Hanmer, and
Mr. Hanmer of the Fenns, both in one week. On the 3rd day of March, 1701; dyed Thomas
Lyster, of this County of Salop, Esq., who lived beloved and dyed lamented; hee dyed about
twenty-five years of age.
On or about the 3rd of Sept 1701, died our late King James 11. ; on the 8th March, 1701, dyed
our most gracious Soveraigne King William III.
Those that are curiouse in Astrologicall speculations may take notice of the seeming Prodromi of
this Catastrophe Magnatum.
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i64 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
And first the Eclips of 0 in r 1699, the ascendant of Ei^land, Mesahala says "significabit
interitum Regum." 2ndly. The eclips of Qj 1699 in ^ (the opposite signe to T just att the Equinox;
it happened in the eleventh house, the house of firiends ; and in the tenth house, the house of Kings
and Rulers ; and att that time was alsoe an O of (^ and ^ . Proclus says — ^* Significat mortem
nobiliimi.
There was c^ of © and ^ att the tyme of King William's death, just entering r . The Prophet
Jeremiah says — ^'Bee not dismayed att the signes of Heaven, they are signes, butt not to bee feared.''
Nam Deos Astia regit
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CERTAINE CASES AND CONTROVERSIES WHICH HAVE HAPPENED BETWEENE
THIS PARISH AND OTHER PARISHES.
First Ca&^— Inter MYDDLE btt CARDINGTON.
Humphrey Beddow, a lame man, was borne in the Parish of Cardington: hee was sett apprentice
in the same Parish to a shoemaker and there served his time; afterwards hee came to worke journey
worke in this Parish, and marryed Mary the daughter of Thomas Davis of Haremeare HilL Note,
that att this time 40 dayes' continuance as an housekeeper, servant or sojourner without disturbance
did create a setdement in any parish. Note alsoe that if the Parish officers did require any person
to avoid out of the Parish or to finde suretyes, this was not accompted a disturbance. Butt a com-
plaint made to a Justice of Peace that such a person was come into a parish and was likely to
beecome chaigeable to the parish — ^this complaint was a legall disturbance without takeing out a
warrant, and the Justices' Clerks did commonly keep a booke and enter all disturbances; butt if a
warrant were taken out this was a proofe of the complaint and disturbance.
After Humphry Beddow was married, a complaint was made by our parish officers to Francis
Thomes, Esq., and a warrant procured which was deliverd to George Cranage, who was then con-
stable of Newton. Hmnphrey Beddow was then sicke, but hee promised to retume into his owne
parish as soone as hee was recovered. His sicknesse was long, and although it tooke not away his life
yet it tooke away his worke, for I never knew him worke afterward butt was an idle beggar all his
life after. Humphry Beddow when hee was recovered went to Cardington, his owne parish, and was
sent backe by an order into this Parish. Wee appealed to the Sessions; our Counsell was Mr.
Barret, and theires was Mr. Harris of Crocketon. Wee proved that Humphry Beddow was borne
in Cardington Parish, and there sett apprentice and served out his time which was a good settlement
They alledged that hee had procured a settiement in Myddle parish by 40 dayes* residence and
longer time. Our warrant of disturbance was lost, and although wee could prove that hee was dis-
turbed yet wee could not prove that it was within the 40 da3rs, and therefore theire order was
confirmed. This was the first contest that we had and thus wee lost it; but thanks be to God wee
never lost any afterwards.
Flebilc prindpium melior fortuna secata est.
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i66 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Second Case.— //i/5^ MYDDLE et SHAWBURY.
This was concerning a yong child that was left in the night time in Mr. Hollwa/s porch in
Myddle. In the morning when the child was found, Mr. HoUway immediately sent for Richard
Eaton, then Churchwarden, who sett the child to bee nursed by the weet Mr. Holloway sent alsoe
for mee and Mr. Acherley of Marton, to come to his house with what convenient speed wee could
Wee mett accordingly and Mi*. Holloway acquainted us of the accident All the intelligoice that wee
could have from the neighbours in Myddle was that a poore woman with a yong child and a boy of
about two or three yeares did, in a whiteish coate with ribbons round about his wast, did lodge in
Richard Clarke's bame which wee call Wolfe's in Myddle, and that shee was gon beefore morning.
Mr. Acherley and I sett out immediately to enquire after her; hee went towards Oswaldstrey and I went
to Shawbury. I happened to meet acddently with my cozen Anne Newans of Greensell, who upon
inquiry told mee that a poore woman was delivered of a child about a fortnight agoe at a house on
the* side of Shawbury Heath, and when shee had stayd there a weeke shee came to Greeiisell with
her lytle child and a boy with her in side^oates, and had ribbons about the wast of his coate, and
that the yong child was baptized att Greensell by Mr. Sug^ then minister there, and that some
servants of the towne gave the woman doathes to wrap her child inj shee ^tayd there a weeke and
(says shee) ''Yesterday shee went aivay towards your neighbourhood." I went to Greensell and
inquired th^re what doaths werjs given ^ this child, and one Guen who I^d long time beene a ser-
vant to William Cay, ^4 was therefore called Guen Kay, told mee that shee had given a peice of a
greene sey apron to wrapp^ ^ child in. Next day Mr. Acherley and I mett att Mr. Holloway's and
sent for the nurse and chilli^ and found the peice of a green sey apron about it, and soe it was (as
they said) when the child wa^ foimd. Th^ peice of an apron was brought md shewed to Guen, and
shee owned it to bee that which shee gave the woman. Wee sent for a w^ant for the overseers of
the poor of Shawbury Parish, ai^d it was ^eed on both sides that all of us shoved appeare at the
next Sessions which was then very nigh att hand; att which Sessions Mr. Harris was Coimsell for
Myddle, and Mr. Richard Whitcombe of Hardwicke, (a young Counsellor) was C-ounsell for Shaw-
bury Parish. Wee proved that a poore woman ^was delivered of a child ki Shawbury Parish, and
that shee had with her a lytic boy of about two or tiiiree yeares old in a whileish coloured coate with
ribbons about the wast of tiie coate. Wee proved that the same poore woman and her yoi^ child
and lytle boy came to Chreensell, and that the woman att whose house shee was ddivered in Shawbury
Parish, came to visitt her while shee was att Greei^ell, and said that shee was brou^t a bedd att
her house. Wee proved by Guen Kay that shee gave that woman the peice of a greene sey apron
which was shewed in court; and wee proved that the child was wrapt in it when the child was found.
Mr. Whitcombe did not gainesay any of tiiis, butt beegan to cast some aspersions on Mr. Barnabas
Holloway and his fether's maids, for which hee received a sharp rejMrimand t^ old Mr. Arthur
Weaver, fether of Mr. Arthur Weaver that now is. The judgment of the whoale bench was that this
child was borne in Shawbury Parish, and therefore made an order to remove it thither whidi was
done accordingly. The mother of this child was found out i)>out three yeares after.
Nulla latent quae non temptis apexta fadt.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 167
Third Case. -Inter MYDDLE et PRESTON GUBBALLS vel potius THOMAS WILLIAMS.
This was concerning Andrew Weston, who had lived some while in Marton, in a tenement of above
£10 per annimi, mider Mr. Thomas Harwood, who marryed the widow of Richard Atcherley. This
Weston beeing aged, and his wife dead, went to Merrington to Thomas Williams, who had marryed
his daughter and gave him all his goods and cattle on condition hee wouald maintaine him dureing
his life. Not long after Tlmmas Williams's wife dyed, and Weston beecame blinde, and altogeather
helplesse. Upon this Thomas Williams prevailed with the Parish officers of Preston Gubballs to
procure aai order, and to send his father-in-law, Weston, into the Parish of Mydd^e, beeing the place
of his last settlement, which was done accordingly. Note, that att that tyme the law was that those
persons that would bring an appeale, must appeale at the next Quarter Sessions held for that place
from which the order came ; butt now the appeale must bee made att the next Quarter Sessions held
for the place iduther any person is sent by an order. Wee of the parish of Myddle, appealed att
the next Quarter Sessions held for the Towne and Libertyes of Shrewsbury. Francis Berkely of
Hadnall, Esq., was our Counsell, and Mr. Atkis was Counsell for Thomas Williams. Wee fetched
a witnesse from Wrexham to prove the bargaine beetweene Andrew Weston and his son-in-law
Williams ; butt Mr. Berkely insisted upon the Statute of the 43rd of the Queene, cap. 2, whereby it
is enacted that the grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, mothers and children of any poore, lame,
blind, &c., beeing of sufficient ability, shall make such allowance for the maintenance of such poore,
&C., as the Justices att theire Quarter Sessions shall allow. Here sayes Mr. Berkely, the grand-
father-in-law, the grandmother-in-law, the father-in-law, the mother-in-law, the son-in-law, the daughter-
in-law, though they bee not named in the Statute yet by the equity of the Statute they are obliged,
and soe it had beene resolved in that Court and in severall other cases which hee shewed. Mr. Atkis
did not gainesay any of this, butt hee insisted upon these words in the Statute, beeing of sufficient
ability^ and that Thomas Williams was a poore man and not able to doe it To which Mr. Berkley
answeared that Thomas Williams did hold a tenement of about £16 or X18 per annum, and had a
stocke upon it, (I thihke it was worth £12,) that hee had lands in fee simple of about £8 to £10 per
annum, and that was worth but £6; that hee had lately marryed a second wife with £100 portion
(I think it was £20.) Upon this the Court resolved that Weston's settlement was in Myddle parish,
and that Thomas Williams ought to maintaine him. I insisted upon half-a-crowne a weeke, beecause
the parish gave soe much ; butt the Court allowed only two shillings weekly to bee paid to the over-
seers of the poore of this parish towards the reliefe of Andrew Weston, I moved the Court for costs,
butt Mr. Berkeley wished mee to bee quiett when I was well
Note, that att that time it was not knowne whether the Justices had power to grant costs in such
cases as this, but now by a late act it is enacted that for avoyding vexatiouse removealls and frivo-
louse appeales, the Justices have power to award costs. When wee came out of Court wee sent for
Thomas Williams, and our parish officers threatened to sue him, and hee beeing afraid of a suite
desired a meeting att Myddle, and hee would compound with us. Att the meeting hee offered to pay
halfe^-crowne a weeke for the tyme that his father-in-law had beene here, and hee would take him
away. This was accepted of and hee tooke the blind man home with him.
Leges volentes ducunt, nolentes trahont.
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i68 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Fourth Cas^— Infer MYDDLE ET IN COM. GLOCESTRI^E.
The yonger son of Charles Reve of Myddle Wood, had lived a yeare and more in Glostershire,
came privately to his brother's house, in Myddle Wood (for hee had gott the French pox, and was not
able to doe service). His brother was not able to mainetaine him, and beecause noe one else would
receive him our officers were forced to give his brother 2s, Sd. a weeke to harbour and maintaine him.
Our officers brought him beefore Mr. Rowland Himt, and there hee declared upon oath that his last
settlement was in the Parish of , in Glostershire and there an order was made to bring him.
Thither hee was sent by water to Gloster; Faireley of Atcham, the trowman had seven shillings to
bring him thither and to maintaine him by the way ; butt one of our Parish officers went downe to
deliver him, and'to shew the order and leave a copy of it The Glostershire men gave us notice of
an appeale att the next Sessions att Salop. Wee had intelligence that the Glostershire men would
alledge that Reves had worked by the week for a quarter of a yeare, and afterwards was hired for
the other three quarters, and that this did not create a settlement Upon this wee sent for a witnesse
out of Glostershire, who mett us at the Sessions, and told us hee was present when Reeve was hired
and that hee had worked a quarter of a yeare by the weeks and afterwards was hired for the whoale
yeare, and his yeare was to beginne att the tyme when hee came thither. Wee had Mr. Thomas
Edwards, Towne Gierke of Shrewsbury, for our Counsell in this matter, and the others had Mr.
William Atkins. When the cause came to heareing, William Atkins desired that theire appeale
might bee continued untill the next Sessions, and if they did then appeale they wouald give us new
notice and pay io«. co«ts. This was granted by the Court and wee heard noe more of them.
Some say that Reve dyed beefore the next Sessions,
Fifth Case.— /«Afr MYDDLE et CONDOVER.
This matter came to heareing att the same Sessions with that of Reve. Wee had the Towne
Gierke for coimsell, and the officers of Condover had Mr. Wase and Mr. Atkins. The case was
thus : — Elizabeth the daughter of Humphrey Beddow was an idle, wanton wench, always following
after the soldiers, and att last was with child, and said shee was marryed to one William Gittins, a
soldier; shee was brought a bedde att her mother's on Haremeare Heath, and this Gittins came often
to visit her there, and our parish officers watching an opportunity apprehended him and brought him
before Mr. Hunt, and there hee declared upon oath that hee was borne in Masbrooke, and that
his last settlement was in the parish of Condover, where hee had lived one whole yeare as an hired
$ervant; fix)m whence hee went to bee a soldier and that hee was marryed to this Elizabeth Beddow,
and Mr. Griffiths of Ruyton was the parson that marryed them. Hereupon an order was made to
send Gittins and his wife and child to Condover, butt Gittins ran away that night and then our
officers went to Mr. Berkeley who made another order (redtemg the first order, and that Gittins was
fled out of the country) to send die wife and child to Condover. This was done and the officers of
Condpver appealed at the next Sessions; when the cause came to heareing they produced only one
witnesse who was a servant maide in the same house with Gittins while hee lived in Condover Parish,
and shee said shee heard her master tell him when hee came to bee hired that hee wouald take him
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 169
on tryall, butt shee never knew that hee was hired, butt shee confessed that hee lived there a yeare
and then went for a soldier. The whoale Bench (considering the oath of Gittins and the mayd's con-
fession that hee had lived there one yeare,) agreed that hee had a good Setlement in Condover
Parish, and soe our order was confirmed; and the Officers of Condover tooke backe againe the
woman and child.
Sixth CASE.--/«/(r MYDDLE ET CONDOVER.
About two yeares after this contest the Officers of Condover bixMight this Elizabeth Gittins and her
child unto this Parish by order of two Justices, aad 1^ the name of Elizabeth Beddow, for they
pretended that shee was not marryed to WiHiam Gittins. Wee appealed at the next Quarters
Sessions, and now wee were to prove the marriage of William Gittins and ElizaJ^eth Beddow^ and to
that end wee produced Mr. Griffiths, Parson of Ruyton who marryed them; wee produced severall
persons that were present att the Wedding, and wee produced the certificate made att the Marriage
which Mr. Griffiths owned to bee his hand. Mr. Wase was our Counsell and their Counsell was
Mr. Fones and Mr. Atkins. Att the heareing our former order was read; (note, that for the read-
ing of the order our overseer of the poore, William Bickley gave the Gierke of the Peace a brasse
-shilling which hee shewed to the Court and it was ordered that it should bee cutt, and it was openly
cut in the Court. I called for the peices to bee given to Bickley which was not denyed.) After
the readeing of our order then the Order sent firom Condover was read, and liien Mr. Arthur Weaver
tooke it in his hand and lookeing over it desired theire Coimsell to say upon what statute that order
was made; butt they did not and I believe they could not telL Mr. Weaver said the order was
insufficient, and the whoale bench agreeing with him the order was reversed. Wee gave the woman
a shilling to goe backe to Condover and take her child with her, and soe shee did and spared us the
charge of bringing her thither.
Thus you have scene (in three contests) what great trouble and costs Wee have been att about this
out-comne drunken Cobler and his famyly. Although I have not mentioned how wee sett his son
twice apprentice and how hee outrun both his Masters, wee lost our money and hee was putt in the
house of Correction ; butt most of the cause of all this came from the mother, who brought up her
Children in idlenesse, and favoiured them in theire bad courses ; and it is noe marvell that shee was
noe better, for her mother Sina Davis and her Children have for many yeares been a charge to us.
Shee, viz. Sina Davis was a crafty, idle, dissemblemg woman, and did counterfeit herselfe to bee lame,
and went hopping with a stafTe when men saw her, butt att other tymes could goe with it imder her
arme, as 1 myselfe have scene her, and shee had maintenance from the Parish many yeares before shee
dyed, but the greatest charge was (and still continues,) the releife of her son Andrew, who has beene
blinde from infancy, if not firom his birth. Hee has received firom the Parish £3 per annum for forty
yeares and more, which comes to above £120, and I doubt not but if all the charges which the
Parish has sustained upon the accompt of releiving that family were reckoned up, it would amount
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I70 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
to £150. I remember what Eneas Sylvius said,
Non audet Styghis Pluto tentare, quod audet
Efhdsms Monachus, plenaque firaildis anus.
Thus englished by Mr. Sands :
Not Stygian Pluto erer durst pursue,
What a rogue Monke, and treadKrouse Hag dare doe.
And I may almost say:
Vix adfert Stygius Pluto tot damna, quot audet
Ceido bibax ebrius, plenaquae firaudis Anus.
The Stygian fiend can scarce such mischeife doe man, as
This drunken cobler and dissembling woman has»
Seventh Case.— Infer MYDDLE ET WEM, AN. DOM. 1700 AND 1701.
This was concerning Nicholas Hampton, who was borne in Wem Parish, and lived there untill
hee was able to doe service as a plow boy, and then was hired as a servant in Myddle Parish, for one
whoale yeare, and did perform his services dureing the time ; and after the end of that yeare hee
went backe againe into Wem Parish, and lived with his mother who was a poore woman, and there
he fell lame and unable for service, and had maintenance from the Parish eight or nine yeares.
In the year 1 700, the Officers of Wem Parish procured an order from two Justices, and sent Nicholas
Hampton into our Parish of Myddle. Wee appealed to the next Sessions which was Easter Sessions,
1 701 ; att which time Mr. Wase was Coimsell for us, and Mr. Fones was Counsell for Wem Parish.
Att heareing of the cause Mr. Wase confessed the matter of fact as to the yeare's service, butt hee
said that Nicholas Hampton had (after his setlement in Myddle Parish) gott a settlement in Wem
Parish by receiveing maintenance for soe many yeares in that Parish. Mr. Newton and Mr. Weaver
were of opinion that this was tantamount to a notice, but Mr. Clive (who was one of the Justices
that signed the order for sending Hampton to our Parish) was of another opinion. Att last Mr.
Fones denied that Nicholas Hampton had received any money from the Parish of Wem. Butt his
mother was a poore woman and shee had maintenance from the Parish of Wem; and this they could
prove by theire Parish booke for the poore which they had not diere to shew, and therefore they
desired die Appeale might bee continued untill next Sessions which was granted, and an order was
made that Wem Parish should pay twenty shillings costs to Myddle Parish, and maintaine Nicholas
Hampton untill next Sessions.
Att Midsummer Sessions, 1701, there was a very small appearance of oin- Parishioners to prosecute
our matter, for Mr. Dale was absent and Mr. Watkins was sicke, soe that the whoale conceme lay upon
mee, and one of our officers who was very willing but not able to assist much : besides Mr. Newton
and Mr. Weaver on whom we did much depend, were both absent and but very few Justices upon
the Bench, soe that Mr. Clive (who onely differed from the rest att the former Sessions,) was Cheife
Speaker and sate att Cushion. This made the officers and other persons of Wem there present to bee
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 171
more than ordinarily confident of good successe. They were about thirteen in number; one of them
went home before the hearemg of the matter and declared that Nicholas Hampton was setled on
Myddle Parish. I had a friend that told me it was sayd among the men of Wem that the sense of
the Court was for them; when I had considered these things I went to our Counsell and desired
him to continue on Appeale untill the next Sessions if hee could. When the cause was called I saw
Wem men looke very cheerfully; Mr. Wase our Counsell desired that an Appeale might bee continued
untill next Sessions, (pretending the absence of one very materiall witnesse,) and hoped the Worshipfiil
Bench would allowe us the like kindnesse as had beene allowed to Wem Parish at last Sessions,
This was easily granted, and an order was made that wee should mainetaine Nich. Hampton till
next Sessions, and pay fifteen shilling costs: this made the' men of Wem looke under the weather
to see then: hopes soe suddenly disappointed. Att Michaelmas Sessions, 1701, both parties had
the same Counsell and there was a ftill bench of Justices. Mr. Wase (as formerly) pleaded that wee
confessed the matter of fact, but said that Nicholas Hampton had since then procured a Setlement
in Wem Parish, by receiveing money for his maintenance and weareing the Parish Badge in Wem
for many yeares. Mr. Fones did not produce the parish booke which in all likelyhood would have
proved against him, butt pleaded that receiveing of money could not create a setUement butt paying
of money might That the money was given of Charity and hoped their Charity should not bring
a burthen upon them; and the weareing of the Badge was onely to save the Officers harmelesse fi-om
the penalty in the Act Mr. Wase said that before the Act was made for weareing Badges, the
parishioners of Wem Parish had caused every one of theire poore to weare a P. made of tin. And
tiiat they caused this Nicholas Hampton to weare one of them (which was then shewed in Court)
and hee said there was then att the giveing of that P, noe penalty to bee inflicted on officers in that
case. Mr. Newton said that what money was given by one, two, or a few persons might bee
accompted charity, but what was given out of the parish leawan that hee did not accompt charity;
for it was what ought by law to bee done, and hee did not insist soe much on the weareing of the
Badge as the payment of money out of the Poor's Leawan. Mr. Weaver said this person was borne
in Wem parish; hee came into Myddle parish and there lived one yeare and then returned unto Wem
Parish and fell lame : if this person tume vagrant hee must bee sent to Wem not Myddle. Now
when Mr. Clive had heard the sense of these two Justices hee went off firom the Bench. Then Mr.
Wase desired the Judgment of the Bench in this matter and they all agreed, nemine contradicente,
that the order for removeing Nich. Hampton into this Parish shall bee reversed.
Eighth Case.— Infer HADNALL'S EASE, et ALTERAM PARTEM PAROCHI^E de
MYDDLE, VEL POTIUS, INT. FRANCISCUM BERKLEY, ARMIGERUM, ET MEIPSUM.
My Uncle William Gough of Sweeney, by his last Will bequeathed $£ per anniun to the Minister
and Churchwardens of the Parish of Myddle, for the setting out of such poore children Apprentices
borne in the said Parish, as I and my heires shall from time to time nominate, allow, and appoint
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172 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Mr. Berkeley the Cheife person in Hadnall's Ease, required mee to nominate some poore children
in Hadnall's Ease, to bee sett out apprentices with my uncle's Legacye, which I refiised for several]
reasons; and not long after there was a warrant sent to summon mee and our Wardens to appeare
at a monthly meeting at Shawbury; the Warrant was as followeth:-^
^^ Salop. — ^To the Constables of the Parish of Myddle, in the County aforesaid, and to every of
them.
'< Whereas information hath beebe given imto us whose names £lre underwritten, being two of his
Majest/s Justices of the Peace for the county aforesaid, and of the Quorum, by the complaint of the
Overseers of the poore of the Chappelry of Hadnall, in the said Parish of Myddle, that severall
charitable Gifts and Legacyes have beene heretofore given and bequeathed for the annuall reliefe of
the poore of the said Parish, and for the yearely placeing'out of poore children of the said Parish
apprentices, which yearely charityes have beene paid accordingly; and whereas the Chappeldry of
Hadnall is a fourth part of the said Parish, and maintaineing theire poore distinct from the residue
of the said Parish, ought to have and receive towards the reldfia of theire poore, and setting out of
poore children within the said Chappeldry, a fourth part of thd said charity money which as yett the
said Chapeldry hath not participated of: and whereas Richard Gough of Newton is rqnated Trustee
for the receiveing of the said charityes, who^ tc^^ther with the Minister, Churchwardens, and Over-
seers of the said Parish have disposed of the sane without any sdlowance to the said Chappeldry. —
These are therefcMre to will and require you, iUid every of you, unto whom these presents diall come,
that imediately upon sight hereof you summon the said Richard Gough, the Churchwardens, and
Overseers of the Poore of the said Parish, to appeare before us upon the twenty-first day of this
instant December, at the house di Thomas Vaughan, in Shabre, in the coimty af<^esaid, commonly
called the Raven, by two of the o'docke in the aftemoone, to answeare the premises and hereof faile
not att your perills. Given under our hands and seales this eighteenth day of December, in the
eleventh yeare Regni Regis Gulielmi 3 nunc Anglise, &c.
You are alsoe required to bring with you such writeings as conceme the said gifts and legacies."
RICHARD CORBETT.
FRANCIS BERKELEY.
Mr. Dale was not named in the Warrant, butt was summoned by a particular messenger. On the
day appointed, Mr. Dale, and I, and our Wardens went to Shawbury. It was a day of a monthly
meeting, butt the business of the meeting was over when wee came there, and Mr. Corbet and Mr.
Berkeley were takeing a pipe of tobacco, and caused Mr. Dale and mee to sit downe ^d dripke
with them. And after some tyme Mr. Berkeley desired mee to shew him a cfopy of my uncle
Gough's Will, which I did and hee read it over and after hee desired to see what wee had to shew
for the other legacyes. And Mr. Dale produced severall papers of other legacyes, all which made it
appeare that the legacyes were left to the poore of this part of the Parish, which is out of the libertyes
of Shrewsbury.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 173
Mr. Berkeley seemed satisfyed as to the other legacyes butt as for my unde Gough's, hee said that
it was given to sett out poore children apprentices borne in the Parish of Myddle. The words were
generall, and Hadnall's Ease was within the Parish of Myddle, and therefore I ought, and must
nominate apprentices in Hadnall's Ease. To this I an^weared that his Worship knew that Myddle
parish was divided into two parts ; that is within the liberties of Shrewsbury, and in Aat is Hadnal's
Ease; ^and t;rithout the libertyes and in that is Middle Trnne. That these maintaine theire poore,
distinct one from the other; that it is one Parish as to the Churd), but two Parishes as to the Poore;
that Myddle part has power to remove paupeis into Hadnall's Eas^ as into another Parish^ and soe
it has beene done; and Hadnall's Ease has the like power to remove paupers into MydcBe part;
that these two parts have theire distinct overseers of die poore, which are noe way concerned
togeather ; that if a person that has a setlement in Hadnall's Ease doe remove into another Parish
where a certificate is required, the Chapellwardens of Hadnall's Ease doe give a certificate for such
person, and not the Churchwardens of Myddle ; 2dly, that my imcle Gough was borne in that part
of the Parish which is out of the libertyes of Shrewsbury, and it is more than likely that hee left this
legacy for the good of the poore of the place where hee was borne. Besides I told him it was
plaine that this legacy was given to that part of the Parish which is out of the libertyes of Shrews-
biuy, for it was given to bee payd to the Churchwardens for the setting out of Apprentices, (not to
the Chappellwardens.) Now the Churchwardens cannot sett out apprentices in Hadnall's Ease ;
and if I name a poore child in Hadnall's Ease, the Chappelwardens have noe power granted by the
Will to sett out Apprentices with this legacye.
To this last Mr, Berkeley said, if I would name an Apprentice in Hadnall's Ease, they would
adventure that ; butt I told him I would not adventure it Then Mr. Berkeley made a long speach,
takeing such libertyes as lawyers use to doe on that accompt, and endeavoured to answeare all my
objections ; butt when hee foimd that I would not comply, hee told mee I must appeare att next
Sessions, where hee would move for an order of Sessions in this case ; then I departed into another
roome with our Wardens, butt Mr. Dale stayd with the Gentlemen; and Mr. Berkeley told him that
hee would make mee sett out every fourth Apprentice in Hadnall's Ease ; and for all those that
had beene sett out allready hee would have a fourth part of that number putt out in Hadnall's Ease,
before any more were putt out in this side of the Parish ; and if the Sessions would make noe order
in this case hee would bee att £10 charge to sue out a Comission for to inspect into this left for
charitable uses.
Quid prudentis opus ? posse et non velle nocere. — Auson et e contra.
Some dayes before Easter Sessions following, Mr. Berkeley sent John Higginson, one of the Chappei
wardens, with severall noates of summons to Mr. Dale, and mee, and our Churchwardens to appeare
at the Sessions. Wee retained Mr. Wase and Mr, Dicken because wee heard Mr. Berkeley had
retained Mr. Fones and Mr. Towne Gierke; I went there on Tuesday, and in the evening I pro-
cured a fiiend to goe and waite on Mr. Weaver, Mr. Newton and some other Justices, and shew
them one of our Breviates. The substance of our Breviate was according to what I had told to Mr.
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174 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Berkeley att Shawbury; onely I added in the Breviate that I conceive the Justices could not make
any order to limitt that power which was given mee by will This I did not mention att Shawbury,
(although I knew it was our cheife strength) because I knew that Mr. Berkeley beeing a Barrister-att-
law could not choose but know it. The friend that I sent told mee att his retume that all the
Justices that hee had beene with sayd that Mr. Berkeley had beene with them on the same account,
but they had given him noe incouragement, — ^but said they had nothing to doe with it. Upon
Wednesday our Churchwardens came to mee and wee waited that day, butt Mr. Berkeley haveing
noe incouragement in this matter never came to the bench, neither did hee fee any Counsel. Soe
there was noe motion made. Wee did not move for costs because Mr. Berkeley is a Justice of the
Peace, and wee feared it might shorten his kindnesse to us in other matters.
Iniquissima pax justissimo bello anteferenda. — {C$^<ro)
Lis litem generat, concordia nutrit amorem.
v^.-.^^^
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HERE are severall conveniences that beelong to the parish of Myddle which are noe small
advantages to it.
1. There is great plenty of freestone which is very serviceable for building and soe firme that
noe violence of weather will decay it; butt the longer it continues the harder it is.
2. This parish yields great plenty of come, especially of the best barley, which is litle inferior
to the barley that is gott in Wroxeter fields, which is accompted the best in Shropshire.
3. There is good stoare of sheep in this Parish whose wool if washed white and well ordered is
not much inferior to the wool of Baschurch and Nesse which beares the name of the best in this
County.
4. For fewell, although many of the greatest woods are cutt downe, yet there is sufficient left for
timber and fire-boot for most tenements. There is likewise a Turbary in Haremeare which belongs
to the Lord of the Manor, and was formerly a greatt benefit to the neighbours; but now they have
taken a trade of earning them to Shrewsbury and selling them; soe that the Turbary is much wasted
and the Turfes are much dearer. Soe that a yard of peates which was formerly at 8d. is now sett at 2s.
Note that a yard of peates is 80 square yards, viz: — soe many peates as can bee digged in and layd
to dry upon soe much groimd.
5. This place has the benefitt of good water for Marton, beside the large Meare that is neare it,
has severall springs and pumps in the towne, and a cleare brooke in winter time running along part
of the street. Myddle has two faire wells in the common street beside pumps and draw-wells, and
a brooke running over crosse the street att the lower end of the Towne. Balderton, Alderton, and
Newton have only pitt water, — howbeit there is a well called Ast-well or Astawell, and by some
Easterwell, which lyes betweene these three townes att ahnost an equal distance firom each of them,
and this is a great benefitt to them beecause of the goodnesse of the water. This well lyes in a peice
of ground beelonging to Mr. Robt. Hayward who sometimes did offer to hinder persons for fetching
water there — butt I told him it was not onely an uncharitable thing to hinder people of that which
God sends fireely — ^butt it was a thing that wee claimed by prescription.
6. But the greatest convenience is the benefit of good marketts, as ist Shrewsbury, the County
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176 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
towne where there is a Markett on every Wednesday and Saturday for come ; and on every Saturday
for cattell besides six faires, the ist on Wednesday after the cloase of Easter, which is a good faire
for cowes and calves, for old oxen and barren beasts; the 2nd on Wednesday in the weeke before
Whitsuntide, this is good for the same purposes; the 3rd att Midsummer, this is good for wool,
fresh oxen for the teame and barren beasts; die 4th on Lambmas day, this is good for sheep, wool,
and cattell; the sth on St Matthew's day, Sep. 21st, a great faire for white meates and for young
heifers, for then the time of laying cattell att grasse is ended and they are usually brought from the
lay to this feire. The last is called St Andrew's faire and on the day after St Andrew's day, this is
good for white meats, fett swine, and fatt beasts. The first and last feires are kept in what place of
the towne that the Mayor shall appoint The 2nd and 5 th are allways kept in MardoU; the 3rd
and 4th in the Abbey Foregate.
Mr. Camden (that femouse Antiquary) hath discoursed att large of sev^:all memorable antiquityes
concerning this towne: and therefore I^shall oaAy mention some few tilings that have happened
here in my memory.
In the yeare of our Lord 1642, King Gi^les the first came to Shrewsbwy, and haveing gathered
a strong Army hee departed dience about Michaelmas ; and haveing observed that this towne was a
strong place both by nature and art, hee sent Arthur Lord Capell to place a Garrison here, who att his
first comeing foimd the Castle soe ruinouse that it was neither fitt for habitation nor defence. Butt
hee soone repayred it and made it exceeding strong; hee pulled downe many houses without the
wall neare the Castle, and neare that gate of the towne called the Castie Gates — ^hee by a deep trench,
brought the water of Seveme up to this Gate and made a drawbridge over it There is an high
banke ^tt the end of that part of the suburbs which is called Frankewell or Frankeville, on which the
Lord Capell built a strong fort to prevent an enimy from planting canons there, which might have
indamaged a great part of the Towne. Hee placed many great cannons on the Castle walls, and in
this fort, and made a strong garrison. Soone after hee was recalled and one Sir Michael Yarley was
made Governor, and one Captaine Crowe was made Lieutenant of the Castle. Att that tyme Collonell
Mytton of Halston, (an excellent soldier both for personal valour, policy, and conduct,) was Generall
of the Parliament forces in this County, and Governor of a small Garrison att Wem. This bold and
daring Generall had a great desire to reduce Shrewsbury, for which towne hee was then a Burgesse in
Parliament, and to that end hee came on a Saturday aftemoone when tfie townsmen were buisied about
theire market and attacked the fort at Frankwell End, butt was repulsed with some losse. On the Satur-
day next following in the night time hee with Major Braine, Captain Shipley, Captain Church, and
Captain Sheinton, (all valiant soldiers,) and their forces came to the old Heath neare Shrewsbury,
intending to attack the towne — butt the night beeing very darke the horses mistooke theire way, and
went towards Pimley and Atcham, and his forces could not bee gott togeather untill the opportunity
was lost. On the next Friday night Generall Mytton came with his forces to the old Heath,
and sent Collonell Rinken with the foote along Seveme side untill they came to the Castle; and cut-
ting down the pallisades that were beetweene the Castle and Seveme, they went under the Castle wall
and gott into the towne att the place where the Bowling Alley now is, and came directly to the gate
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 177
and the Card beeing fled away they threw open the gate and lett in the Horse. There was onely
two killed in this expedition one of each side. On the Parliament side was killed one Richard
Wycherley, borne in Clive ; and on the King's side the Captaine of the maine Gard att the Market
place. About one of the dock, aftemoone, the Castle was delivered up, and Captaine Crowe went
down to Glocester where hee was hanged either for his cowardice or treachery. After this Colonell
M3rtton was made Governor of Shrewsbury ; butt when hee disliked the proceedings against the King,
hee laide downe his commission, and Humphry Mackworth the younger son of Judge Mackworth
of Betton, was made Governor. When King Charles the second came out of Scotland and was att
Drayton, in his march towards Worcester, hee sent a letter to Mr. Mackworth, requureing him to
surrender into his hands his towne of Shrewsbmy. Mr. Mackworth sent backe a letter to the King —
the direction was " To Charles Stewart, King of Scotland" — the contents to this purpose : — " I have
received the government of Shrewsbury by commission from the Parliament of England, and will
surrender it to none butt them upon any summons whatsoever, especially when onely paper ones
compell mee."
Mr. Mackworth made Captaine Hill, (aprodigall drunken fellow, who beefore the warrs was a pitti-
full barber in this towne,) Lieutenant of the Castle. Butt the Townesmen and Garrison soldiers
hated him ; and therefore as soone as there was a prospect of the retume of King Charles the
second they conspired against him ; and one of die townsmen sent for him out of the Castle to
drinke with him att the Loggerheads, an alehouse hard by ; and as soon as hee was gon out of the
Castle, the soldiers shutt the gate and cast his cloathes and boots over the wall, and immediately the
the towne was in an uproare ; and Hill for fear of his life fled away that night and I never heard more
of him. Soone after Collonell Hunt was made Governor, and Mr. John Bromley an honest and
substantiall biu-gesse, was made Lieutenant of the Castle. Butt when King Charles the second was
restored hee made Richard Hosier, eldest son of Collonell Hosier, Captaine of the Castle; and when
the Kingdome was whoaly att peace this Castle was by the King sold or given with the wast ground
beelonging to it, unto Francis Viscount Newport, now {1702) Earle of Bradford, who hath built two
faire houses on the wast ground. In the tyme of King James the second all the cannons and all the
match of which there was seyerall himdted weight, and many of the musketts that were in the Castle,
were by the King's order taken away and sent downe water, I know not whither. Some of the
townsmen secured part of the musquets in a private place of the Castle, butt I beelieve they are
now unserviceable ; for att that time the stocks of them were soe rotton and worme-eaten that if a
man did butt handle them they would breake and crumble to dust.
About the year 1649, it pleased God to visit this towne with the plague. It broake out about the
latter end of July, butt was concealed by the townesmen till after Lambmas faire, and on the next day
after the faire they fled out of towne in whoale shoales, soe that there was noe Markett kept there
untill Candlemas following. Howbeitt, there was a small market kept on the Old Heath for things
necessary for provision, and soe att Monfords Bridge and in other places. There was frequent
collections made in the parish churches for the relief of the poore of the town. The free-schoole
was removed to the Schoole-house in Greensell ; Mr. Challoner was then High Schoole-master, a
W
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178 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OT MYDDLE.
learned and facetious man. The two cbiefe apd ablest Ministers in Shrewsbury, viz. Mr. Thomas
Blake, Minister of St. Chads, and Mr. Fisher of St Mary's removed to Myddle and dwelt both in
Mr. Gittin's house att Ae h^^r well ; -diey preached often att Myddle. Mr. Fisher was a man of
myddle statore and age, a iatt pktn^ body, a roimd visage, and blacke haire. Mr. Blake was a tall
spare man, his haire sandy browne ; hee was somewhat aged a moderate, sober, grave, pious man ;
hee wrote a learned Treatise of the Covenants, idierein hee tooke some modest exceptions against
some things mentioned by Mr. Baxter in his book of Justification.
I finde some remarkable things mentioned in Fabian's Chronicle concerning Shrewsbury, which
Mr. Camden has not related, and therefore I will briefly here insert them : —
A.D. 1267. — King Henry III., Anno Regni, 53, came to Shrewsbury and stayd some while there,
in makeing an agreement with Lluellin, Prince of Wales.
A.D. 1277. — King Edward the First, An. Reg. 6, caused all the Coiuts of Law at Westminster,
the Chancery, Excheker, King's Bench and Common Pleas, to bee removed to Shrewsbury, and
Michaelmas Terme was kept there.
A.D. 1283, — Kihg Edward the First, An, Reg. 12, subdued Lluellin, Prince of Wales, and slew
him and tooke David his bcotho: prisoner; and about Michaelmas the King came to Shrewsbury,
and there called a Parliament wherein David was ccmdemned and soon after drawne, hanged, and
quartered, and his head sent to London.
A.D. 1319.— King Edward the Second, An. Reg. 13, came to Shrewsbury in his march towardes
Wales, to suppresse the insurrection of the Mortimers.
A.D. 1403. — King Henry the Fourth came to Shrewsbury, and the Earle of Worcester was there
beheaded after the fight at Battlefeild.
A.D. — King Richard the Third came to Shrewsbury and caused Henry, sumamed De Woodstocke,
to bee there beheaded. Duke of Buckingham betrayed by Banaster.
King Charles the First came to Shrewsbury A.D. 1642, and King James the Second in 1687.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 179
OswALDSTRE is A Market convenient for the inhabitants of some part of this Parish. On the 4th of
March is a good fair there for great oxen; on the ist of May for cowes and calves, and at St. Andrew's
tide for fatt swine. I will speake of some things that have happened here in my time. The Gover-
nor of this Towne when it was a Garrison for the King pulled downe many houses that were without
the Wall lest they might shelter an enemy. The Church also beeing without the Wall was pulled
downe, and the toppe of the Steeple unto that loft where the bell-frame stood. The bells were
brought into the Towne and the Organs were imbezelled. After the Towne was well fortifyed, and
the Castle which was but small yet very strong, built by a Prince of Wales, An. 1 1 1 1, Generall
Mytton with his Parliament forces came and beseiged it Hee planted his Cannons neare that part
of the Steeple which was left; hee battered the Gate called the Church Gate in such sort that the
Garrison soldiers could not stay att it. Generall Mytton conceiveing it was soe butt not beeing sure
of it sent George Cranage, a bold and dareing young man to see whether it were soe; who tooke a
hatchet in his hand and went to the drawbridge and found that the soldiers were gone and the gate
was open, for the Cannon had broaken the doors, and this Cranage broake the chaines of the draw-
bridge with his hatchett, and lett it downe soe that the soldiers made haste to enter the Towne.
Butt those that were within made like haste to meet them, which Cranage perceiving, and seeing a
box of drakes standing within the gate ready charged, hee turned the box of drakes towards those
in the towne, and one of Cranage's partners came with a firelocke and gave fire to them which
made such a slaughter among the Garrison soldiers that they retreated and fled into the Castle.
Cranage was well rewarded and being well lined with sacke was persuaded by the Generall to hang
a buttar on the Castle gate. Now a buttar is an iron shell as bigge as a pott; it was filled with powder
and wild-fire balls, and had an handle with an hole in it by which it might bee fastened with a nayle
to any place. Cranage takes this buttar with a cart-nayle and an hammer, and gott from house
to house unto the house next the Castle, and then stepping to the castle gate hee fixed the buttar
and stepping nimbly backe again, escaped without any hurt; the buttar burst open the gate. I have
beene the longer in speaking of George Cranage, because that after the Warr was ended hee came
to live some while at the Red Bull^ and afterwards at Newton on the Hill where hee was tenant to
Thomas Newans. Hee was a painfull, laboriouse man in husbandry, and although hee was a stout
man of his hands, yett hee was peaceable and a good neighbor. Hee went to live againe att the
Red Bull and there his wife dyed, and then hee married Dorothy the daughter of Rowland Plungen,
and there hee dyed.
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|PON perusal of what I have written concerning the Seates in Church, I finde that I have
omitted to speake of that antient family of the Haywards of Balderton, whose cheife seate for
theire tenement in Balderton is in the first pew on the North side of the South isle, just below the
uppermost arch; one of their pew-fellows was Thomas Downeton of Alderton, and now Mr. Muck-
leston's tenants in Alderton; the other pew-fellow is Samuel Braine for his tenement in Myddle.
The famyly of the Haywards of Balderton is very antient in this Parish. Theire land was purchased
of the Abbot of Lylshull ; the cheif rent is 14s. per annum. The herriott is optimum animal cujusque
tenentis morientis sesiti. This rent and heriot was formerly due to the Levisons, and now to the Lord
Gower.
The first of this femily thait I can give any accompt of was Thomas Hayward. Hee had a sister
who was married to one Tyler a rich fireeholder in Sleape. The name of the Tylers is extinct in
Sleape, butt Edward Garland enjoyes the land who descended firom that family by the mother's side.
This Thomas Hayward married Susanna the daughter of one Somerfeild of High Hatton,
alias Hatton Hineheath: she was an orderly housekeeper of good repute, a peaceable, good-
humored person and lived to a great age. Hee had issue by her, three sons Thomas, Henry, and
Richard, and two daughters Mary and Margaret. This Margaret was servant to Mr. Corbett of
Stanwardine, and there came acquainted and afterward married with one David Higley, who lived
neare Stanwardine, at a place called Parke Gate, on a small &rme under the Earle of Bridgewater.
This Higle/s father was a rich man and left his son in a wealthy condition, but hee proved an idle,
drunken, carelesse husband, and very quarrelsome and abusive in his drinke which procured him
many cudgellings. Hee consumed his estate notwithstanding his wife's paines, care, and industry,
and had certainely come to great poverty had not her brother Richard Hayward beene kinde to
them in theire olde age.
Mary was married to John Moody a freeholder of a pretty estate in Lineall; hee had one daughter
by her named Elizabeth. This Mary dyed about her myddle age. John Moody was much in debt,
but whether hee contracted itt by bad husbandry I know not; hee was well skilled in husbandry buf
could not follow his buisness as hee should beecause of danger by bayliflfs. Att last hee left or sold
his estate and fled into Wales, where hee became a bayliffe in husbandry to a person of quality; but
wheather hee died there or returned befcwre his death I knowe not.
Richard Hayward in his yonger yeares had a greate desire to bee a Cooke. His father knowing
his inclination bound him apprentice to Richard Hunt who was borne in Myddle, and was brother to
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tSi ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
William Hunt of whom I spoake before; hee was then Cooke to Sir Humphry Lea who then lived at
Langley, and kept a good hospitality as any Knight in Shropshire. In this family Cooke Harvard
continued seaven yeares an apprentice and seaven yeares Master Cooke. Then haveing an intimate
friend at Court one Mr. Walter Bromley Master Cooke to King Charles i. hee went to London in
hopes of preferment. .
When Cooke Hayward came to London, his friend Mr. Bromley had not gott any nobleman^s place
as hee expected, but that hee might not bee out of imployment and ly at charges, Mr. Biomley hired
him with Sir Robert Hitcham the King's Serjeant, a great Lawyer, but soe lame of his feet with the
gout that hee was carryed in a chaire to the barre and from the barre. Cooke Hayward was to
bee free at any week's end upon notice. Hee continued with Sir Robert about three quarters of a
yeare, dureing which time Sir Robert went the Home Circuite and Cooke Ha3rward went as his cooke
in which Circuite the Cooke got above Xio. But now the Bishop of London's Cooke was dead
and Mr. Bromley tooke the boldnesse to acquaint the Bishop Dr. Juxton that hee had a friend, who
was an able cooke if hee pleased to accept of him. The Bishop told him hee would not refuse any
that hee commended. Mr. Bromley sent post to Cooke Hayward who was then with his master att
his country house chargeing him to come up to London with all speed lett what wouald happen.
Cooke Hayward made all the interest hee could with those persons that were in favour with his
Master, and with much adoe gott himselfe at liberty and soe posted to London and gave orders
for his truncks to bee brought after him; and as soone as hee came hee was entertained in the
Bishop's service.
The Bishop was Lord Treasurer and kept a noble house, and his Cook laid by money apace ; but
when the Parliament had gott the upper hand of the King, the Treasurer's place was given to another;
and when all the Bishops were displaced, then Dr. Juxton left London and betooke him to his
manor of Lambeth and discharged most of his servants, and among the rest Cooke Hayward who when
the Bishop had given his servant his blessing and was going from him desired his advice whether hee
might doe well to hire himselfe with Mr. Pierpoint a Parliament man, to whom the Bishop answered,
"Hee is one of the best of Parliament men, doe not refuse his service." Cooke Hayward offered
his service to Mr. Pierpoint, and told him hee had beene lately Cooke to the Bishop of London,
and was now discharged with allmost all the rest of the servants. Well says Mr. Pierpoint, "You
come from a good family; hee is one of the best of Bishops." Cooke Hayward was hired with Mr.
Pierpoint to bee his Cooke and caterer; his wages was £12 per annum and his veiles considerable.
Hee was to keep the house with flesh meate and salt at X8 per weeke, and to provide only eight
dishes every day at dinner; if there were a feast the number of dishes must bee the same but richer
and fuller; hee was to retume to his old master if ever hee was restored to his place. When King
Charles 11. was restored to the Crowne, there were only two of those Bishops alive that had beene
displaced, viz. Dr. Juxton and Dr. Wren. Juxton was made Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord
Treasurer. Cooke Hayward was entertained a second time into his service where hee continued
some yeares, but now growing aged and heareing that his eldest brother Thomas Hayward was
about to sell his lease in Balderton, hee purchased it of his brother and afterwards purchased the
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 183
reversion of Mr. Corbet of Stanwardine j and now being a freeholder hee came and lived at Balderton
and spent his old age in peace in his owne country. Hee was well respected among severall gentle-
men of the country, and some of them dissuaded him from leaving his land to his eldest brother's
eldest son, because hee himselfe was a true son of the Church of England, and his nephew was a
Phanaticke. But his answeare was, It hath pleased God to give mee an estate, and hath likewise
given mee my nephew fjMui heire, who by the law ought to have it after mee, and therefore I will
not disinherit him beecause of his opinion. It may please God to reclaime him. I will leave the
event to God.
Cooke Hayward gave Xio to the Poore of this side of the Parish of Myddle, the interest to bee
dealt in bread on the first Lord's day in every month, among such poore people as came to Church
to receive it. Hee saw the money putt out at interest in his life-tyme, and appointed 1 2 persons
to receive the bread during theire lives, and afterwards to bee given to such as the Minister and
Churchwardens should thinke fitt Hee dyed at Balderton and was buryed in the North isle of
Myddle Church, over against the passage pew and the two pews below it. Hee was a person of an
upright strait stature, somewhat tall, his haire sandy browne and a lyttle crisped, his cheeks ruddy,
his body leane, his leggs small.
Henry Hayward, second son of Thomas Hayward and Susanna his wife, was a woodmonger in
London ; hee was listed a soldier in the Parliament Army (temp. Car. pri.), butt obtained noe higher
a post than that of a lieutenant. After the Warrs hee went again to London, and borrowing money
of his brother the Cook, hee sett up his trade again ; hee tooke a house and wood-yard, and the Cooke
ingaged for the rent ; butt after a while hee broake, put the key under the door and fledd to Ireland,
and there dyed. The Cooke lost the money that hee lent to him and paid tbe rent.
Thomas Hayward the eldest son of Thomas Hayward and Susanna his wife was a comely, gentile
person, a good scollar, and wrote a very clarke-like hand. His father left him a good estate. Hee
had land in Newton worth £30 per annum, which his father (how fairely I know not) gott of Mr.
Corbett of Stanwardine, as I said beefore. Hee had a lease in Balderton; hee had a tenement in
Whixall, worth Gi 2 per annum, left to him by an uncle. Hee marryed Alice the daughter of Mr. Mihen,
high schoole-master in Shrewsbury, and beesides what money hee had with her, hee had some houses
in Shrewsbury, neare the High Crosse. Hee had issue by her, two sons — Robert and Thomas, and
a daughter named Elizabeth. This Thomas Hayward was an extraordinary good husband in manure-
ing his land, and had great profit by it, if it had beene well used. His wife Alice was soe shrewd
that hee was not able to abide in the house with her, soe that hee was forced to goe from his buis-
nesse to the alehouse to gett meate and drinke to suffice nature. This brought him to many incon-
veniencyes, for hee beeing well-beloved by all men for his ingenuity and courteouse behaviour,
ofttymes hee mett with company which caused him to stay longer than hee intended, and soe
neglected his buisnesse, mis-spent his time, and wasted his money ; and in the mean tyme his wife
spent as much or more at home, for shee beeing a towne-bred woman was unfitte for a country life ;
shee must bee richly cloathed, fare daintily, drinke nothing butt strong waters, and that not a lyttie;
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i84 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
soe that his estate decreased, and his debts increased ; butt hee still boare an honest mind, for I
have not heard that any man lost a penny by him. Hee sold his land in Whixall, and then his
houses in Slirewsbury, and afterward his land in Newton to Thomas Hall, as I said before ; and
last of all when his wife was dead hee sold his lease in Balderton to his brother, the Cooke. Hee
was afterwards maintained by his brother Robert, who then lived in Shrewsbury, and there hee
dyed; hee was buried in St Mar/s Church-yard. The corps was brought to the grave and putt
into it without a minister beeing present, or any ceremony or rights of the church performed. When
Cooke Hayward saw it hee was ready to sound, and leaned his backe up to the Church wall, and
looked as pale as death. I stept to him and gott him out of the OMnpany ; hee grievously com-
plained that his nephew had soe unchristian-like used his owne father.
Elizabeth, the daughter of Thomas Hayward and Alice his wife, was a very beautifuU yong woman,
of good repute, and very diligent and labouriouse in her father's buisnesse ; butt knowing that her
father had not wherewith to preferre her in marriage, shee betooke herselfe to service, and was retained
as a servant by Mr. Rowley, a wealthy brewer and an alderman of Shrewsbury, where shee was well
respected, at which time there was one Roberts, son of an innkeeper in Oreton, and clarke to Mr.
Rowley. These two fell in love and were married. Thomas Hayward was able to give them nothing,
but the innkeeper gave them some household goods and tooke a house for them in Oreton, and
sett them up to sell ale. But the young man dyed soone after and shee sold up all her household
goods and went to London, where as I have heard, shee was mairyed and lived very handsomely.
Thomas the second son of Thomas Hayward and Alice his wife, was sett apprentice by his elder
brother to a silver wyre-drawer in London. After his apprenticeship ended hee marryed and had
two sonnes, Thomas and Robert, butt whether hee bee yet liveing I know not.
Robert Hayward the eldest son of Thomas Hayward and Alice his wife, was sett apprentice to a
refiner of silver in London. (I have heard him say that his father gave onely the price of an old cow
with him.) His master was a Dissenter and was one of that sect which are called Millenarians, or
fifth monarchy men. After the Restauration of King Charles II. the men of this sect were persuaded
or rather deluded by theire teachers and ringleaders, that now the time was come that Christ's King-
dome was to begin on earth, that they must provide themselves of armes and fight for theire Lord and
King against Antichrist ; that they need not feare, although they were but few, for one of them
should chase a loo, and loo should chace 10,000, and by such persuasions these poore deluded
people made an insurrection in the Cyty, which beeing shewed to his Majesty and his Counsell, the
King commanded that his Life Card and the City Militia should bee sent to supresse them. I
heard it reported that in the streets of the city they fought very desperately, and some were killed
but many wounded on both sides. Att last the City Militia gott some beehinde them, and some
came upon them throw crosse streets, soe that beeing incompassed about on all sides they were
forced to lay down theire armes and cry quarter ; the Prisons in London were filled with them.
Robert Hayward Was one of the prisoners. Some of the ringleaders were executed and some of the
rest were fined, and those that had nothuig were sett at liberty. Robert Hayward's Master was
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 185
utterly ruined by this buisnesse, soe that hee left the city and went up into Wales, and tooke his
apprentice with him ; and att the lead mines hee gott an emplojrment imder some Dutch merchants,
to provide lead for them and lay it up in storehouses to bee ready whenever they came. Hee had
Xjo per annum salery, and there hee dyed. ^
Robert Hayward after the death of his master gott the same imployment and the salary, and haveing
spare time hee came often to see his friends and old neighboiurs. Now there was an antient gentle-
woman, one Margery Muckleston daughter of Mr. Edward Muckleston of Merrington. Her parents
were both dead, her brothers and sisters were all married Shee had a considerable portion in money
which shee had sett out at interest in good hands; shee was short sighted and not at all beautifull.
Howbeitt she was a very vertuouse good woman, Shee lived in the Castle Foregate, in Shrewsbury;
shee kept a maid and tooke ground and kept cows and her maid sold the milk daily in towne.
Robert Hayward haveing formerly beene acquainted with her made courtship to her, and soone gott
her consent and married her. They lived togeather in the Castle Foregate some yeares. Shee kept
cows as formerly and hee followed his imployment in Wales, but was most of his time at Shrewsbury.
After a few yeares his unde Cooke Hay^yard dyed and left him the land in Baldcrton, charged with
an annuity to bee paid yeardy to his aunt Margaret Higley; but shee wanting present money sold
her annuity to him for money in hand. Then hee sett itt to one Heiuy Cooke, an honest, laboriouse
man ^o had noe child, and his wife dying there hee lived some while with servants, and then his
estate began to decay, and Robert Hajrward entered on his estate for arrearages of rent and main-
tained him as long as hee lived.
Robert Hayward with his wife and family came to Balderton and lived there some yeares. Hee
tooke unto him Robert the yonger son of his brother Thomas to bee his heire. He sett him appren-
tice to one Myllington, a draper in Shrewsbury, and made him a freeman of that trade. During his
continuance in Balderton, Mr. Hall of Balderton began to want money agen, and haveing one l}rtle
house and about £12 per annum in lands left yet in Newton, of that which hee bought of Robert
Hayward's fether, hee sold it agen to Robert Hajrward; and Balderton feild being then open and
unindoased hee sold alsoe all his feild ground to Robert Hayward, and the whoale field being now
betweene three persons, viz: Robert Hayward, Thomas Mather, and Richard Tyler, they agreed
to exchange lands and indoase it I was imployed by them to measiure the lands and draw write-
ings of the exchange betweene them which I performed and the field was indosed
Thomas Hall wanted money againe and hee was now minded to make an end of all. Hee sett
Balderton Hall and all the lands beelonging to it, beeing about X35 per annum to sale. Robert
Hayward with much to doe and not without any assistance engaged this purchase. There was X400
of the purchase money left in Robert Hajnvard's hand, for which hee gave securyty to pay ^20 per
annum interest for the maintenance of Mr. Hall and his wife; and after the decease of the survivor
of them the X400 to bee paid to Thomas Hall the eldest son of Mr. Hall. This Mr. Hall is yett
(1706) liveing. Robert Hayward sett Balderton Hall and all his lands in Balderton except his
antient house and the backside, to one Randle Cooke a Cheshireman; and Robert Hayward lived
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some while in the antient house and then removed to Shrewsbury. Randle Cooke proved a siacke
tenant in paying his rent, and Robert Hayward turned him off and forgave him about one year's rent
Hee removed to Thomas Mather's liveing in Balderton, where hee tooke up the trade of a cheese-
factor. But hee proved a great cheate for haveing bought severall parcells of cheese upon trust, hee
fledd his country and severail honest tenants lost considerably by him.
Phillip Hales is present tenant of all Mr. Hayward's lands and houses in Balderton.
After Robert Hajrward was removed to Shrewsbury his wife died and was buried in St Chad's
Church; hee removed from the house where shee dyed and lived on the Wild Cop, in a tenement
under my brother-in-law Mr. Robert Wood, and about a twelve month agoe hee was taken with a
palsy under which distemper hee languished imdll the 3rd day of December, 1705, and then dyed;
hee was buryed in St Chad's Church. Hee left his purchased lands to his nephew Robert, and the
antient estate which his unde the cook gave him^ hee left to Thomas his brother's eldest son.
But it is said that yong Robert has bought it of his brother.
Robert Hayward, junior, was sett apprentice as I said- to a draper; hee set up his trade but
whether hee left his trade or his trade left him I know not Afterward hee got to serve the Dutch
Merchants with lead as his unde had done; but they soone discharged him. The imployment that
hee now foHowes is selling of wine — I wish hee getts by it
Hoc venun est perinde at quisque fortunft utitur
Ita prseoellit, atquc ezinde sapere omnes diidmas I^mttut,
Fortnaa non donat sed mntno dat
Et dto repoidt quoe dedit.
I have mentioned beefore how Nathaniel Reve purchased of William Crosse the reversion of a
lease of Billmarsh farme for jBao, which money Reve borrowed of Mr. Robert Finch, of Cockshutt,
and pawned his lease for securyty of the money; and Reve beeing laid in Goale, Mr. Finch entered
upon the farme and became tenant to the Earle of Bridgewater. I will speake of his iaxoSly: Robert
Finch is descended of the antient and substantiall ^miyly of the Finches of Sheard Oake, in the
towneship of Kenwicks Wood, in the parish of Ellesmeare. His Other's name was Francis Finch,
who in my time was returned to serve the office of High Constable, but hee made his application to
the Justices att the Generall Quarter Sessions, and declared beefore the Worshipfiil Bench that the
serving of that office had beene very ominouse to theire &mily : for his grandfather and his father
both dyed when they were High Constables. The Justices accepted of his apology and excused
him. Howbeit, this Robert of whom I am speakeing served the office of High Constable, and noe
such acddent befell him as his father seemed to fear.
Optima sperentur, metuantnr pessima, sed quae
Sois tolerit forti pectore quisqne ferat
Francis Finch has two sonnes Roger and Robert, and one daughter named Jane, who is marryed
to Ridiard Payne of Weston Lullingfeild. Roger enjoyes his fother's estate in Sheard Oake and
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 187
Bagley. Robert marryed the widow of Francis Lloyd of Cockshutt; hee is a good-humoured man
and well-beloved, but for his wife
His lease expired att Candlemas, 1704, and Samuel Newton of Broughton, tooke a lease for lives
of Billmarsh £urme, and therefore I will say something of his ^unily.
Thomas Newton (whom for distinction sake I must call Thomas Newton the elder,) had a ^ure
estate in a place calld Newtowne, in the parish of Wem, hee married a sister of William Jenks of
Cockshutt, (who was cozen-german to my grandfather Richard Jenks,) and had ishue by her two
sonnes — ^John and Thomas. This Thomas the yonger marryed Martha the daughter of George Reve
of Billmarsh. Hee lived some while at Albright Hussey, and held £140 per annum under Mr.
Robert Corbett ; and afterward hee removed to Broughton and held a farme under Richard Lyster, Esq.,
of about £100 per annum. Hee had many children of which this Samuel is one. Hee marryed a
wife who was borne about Melverley; shee had some money and some land to her portion. The
land was sold to raise money to take a lease of Billmarsh farme.
John the eldest son of Thomas Newton the elder, married the sister of William Shaw of Tylley.
Hee had ishue by her two sonnes — Thomas and John besides daughters. Thomas married the
daughter of a rich widow who lived at Low Hill, neare Wem. This widow's husband was dead long
since and left her a good estate in money and two daughters. This Thomas Newton married the
ddest, and Arthur Noneley of Burleton, married the yongest This Thomas Newton had noe child
and yett hee gott into debt, and after some while hee sold up his stocke, sett his lands, and came to
sojoume with his brother-in-law Arthur Noneley, in Biurletoa This Thomas was apt to drinke, and
in his drinke was somewhat rude, often fighting in the alehouse. This Thomas Newton delighted to
bee accounted valiant, when indeed hee was only rude, quarrelsome, and foolehardy. It happened
that while hee was at Burleton, and after hee had beene most part of the day in the alehouse, hee
was walkeing in his brother's-in-law's garden in the evening; the garden joines to the roade that leads
ftom Shrewsbury towards Ellesmeare; and there hee saw Mr. Robert Hesketh of Kenwicke, and
his wife rideing along the roade, and theire son Charles Hesketh rideing after them and useing very
scurrilouse, abusive, and undutifull language towards his Parents. Thomas Newton somewhat sharply
reproved him for it; Charles answered him with that rude damning language which hee had learned
when hee was a soldier, and either strooke him or strooke at him with his staffe. Some more words
passed and they appointed to meet in the street; Newton ran throw the house and tooke a long
pike-evell in his hand; Hesketh with his sword in his hand mett Newton at the wickett that goes
into the street, and as Newton opened the wickett, Hesketh pricked him in the breast with his
sword, and it seems the sword went throw into his body. Whether Newton perceived himselfe
much wounded or not I know not; but hee strooke Hesketh many blows with the butt end of the
pickevill and broake Hesketh's sword; now when Hesketh's sword was broaken hee alighted from
his horse, and Newton casting away the pike-evell ran to cloase with him, but before hee came to
him hee fell downe and dyed. This tumult had gathered many people together, butt while they
were takeing up Newton, this Hesketh fled away on foot into Burleton Moores and escaped, but left
his horse behinde him. The people were amazed to see the man dead and saw noe blood; but when
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i88 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
they had opened his cloathes they found some blood and a small orifice of a wound in his brest^
and therefore they conceived that hee bled inwardly and that killed him.
Fatis agimur, cedite &tis
Non sollidtffi possant cane
Mutare fisiti stamina fiisi, — Setuca.
Fate rules us— onto tatt wt most snbmittf
Noe care deferres, no craft diverteth it.
Charles Hesketh appeared att the next Assizes and was arrained, found guilty of manslaughter^
had the beneStt of his clergy, and saved his life : I wish hee would spend it better. After the decease
of this Thomas Newton, the estate in Newtowne came to his wife for her life, paying £10 per annum
to her father-in-law John Newton, who is yett (1706) liveing; but the reversion beelonged to John
Newton brother to Thomas Newton that was killed. This John loves drinke as well or more than
his brother Thomas : and conceiveing that it would bee a great while ere any profitt came to him
from this land, he first mortgaged it and then married the daughter of Peter Spendlove, a minister,
son of Roger Spendlove of Tylley: her portion was small and hee soone spent it; and now as I
hear, hee has sold the reversion of his land for ever, and now is spending the money merryly.
Vilia miretur viilgus, mihi fidus amicus
Pocola Wemensi plena ministret al^
Let slaves admire base things, but my £riend stiir
My cup and can with Wem's stout ale shall fill.
A short account of what family Richard Eavans, Esq. was descended,. di4io was slain at the foote
of Myddle Hill, the loth Nov. 1704, and of the manner of his death :
Roger Eavans, (descended of the antient and worthy as well as wealtiiy ^unyly of the Eavanses
of Trevloch, near Oswaldstre, in this County,) was a yonger brother, and was sett an apprentice in
London ; and when the Warrs broake out, in the Reigne of King Charles I., betweene the King and
Parliament, this Roger Eavans listed himselfe a soldier in the Parliament army ; and being a proper
and strong man, and a person of good courage, hee was first made a captaine, and afterwards a
Collonell. Hee had a cutt with a sword over his face, just beetweene the end of his nose and his
mouth, which left a scarre of about a finger long, which continued as long as hee lived, which was all
that hee gott by the warrs. His elder brother dyed in the tyme of the warres, and the patemall esute
in Trevloch descended to this Roger Eavans, who after the warrs, was made a Justice of Peace
and was alsoe High Shreive of the county. Hee demeaned himselfe with such wisdome and
moderation in all thuigs, that hee was well respected by the best men in the county.
Hee marryed Dorothy Griffiths, who was daughter-in-law to my uncle William Gougfi of Sweeney^
who paid the marriage portion. My uncle had purchased a farme in Trevloch, and this hee gave
toe Mrs. Dorothy Eavans and her heires for ever, chargeable with the payment of X5 per annum to
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. 189
the Parish of Oswaldstre, and J65 per annum to the Parish of Myddle, for setting out of apprentices;
hee made Mr. Rc^er Eavans, Trustee for Oswaldstre Parish, as hee did mee for Myddle, butt of this
I have spoaken before.
Roger Evans had issue by his wife Dorothy — Richard Eavans, who was a proper comely person.
Hee was a kinde and good humored man, but too much given to drinking, and being a stout maa
of his hands, hee would not take an affiront especially when hee was in drinke which caused him ta
bee ingaged in many frivolouse affirayes and quarrels in which hee commonly had the better. But
the pitcher that goes often to the well comes hcnne broaken at last
Mr. Roger Eavans, when hee dyed left his son Richard in debt, which hee (not without the helpe
of his mother) quickly increased to such a rate, that they were forced to sell a considerable part of the
estate, and then shee dyed. Richard Eavans was never manyed, and I diink hee had noe inclination
that way, but lived as if hee designed to bee his owne heire, but did not forecast to keepe any thing
to maintaine him if hee happened to live unto old age. But when hee had plunged his estate in as
much as it was worth, hee sold all to Thomas Hunt, of Boreatton, Esq. ; and among the rest, the
land charged with the annuityes aforesaid Some say the purchase money was not all paid when hee
dyed.
In the begining of November 1704, Richard Eavans intending a journey to London, came to
Boreatton, and being furnished with money came forwaid to Myddle, in company with one Price, a
sort of a crack braine fellow, who in the summer before, had beene a prisoner in Shrewsbury Goale
for debt ; att which tyme Thomas Moore of Myddle, was there on the like accpmp ; and hee caUed
to see his Goale Fellow, Thomas Moore, who invited them to the alehouse, where they had two or
three pints of ale att the door ; and beecause the aftemoone was farre spent, they sett forward
agen. Butt when they came to the lower end of Myddle Towne, Mr. Eavans by all meanes would
call and take his leave of his host, John Benion who lived at the foote of Myddle hill. Now it
happened that John Benion had been soe buisy with the cup that day, that hee was not able to doe
* an3rthing butt sleep, and could not goe to bedd toe doe that, and therefore his wife was helping him
to bedd when Mr. Eavans came. There was alsoe in the house one Laurence Bassnett, a Shoe-
maker who was descended of good parentage in Baschurch Parish, but was a drunken fellow.
There was likewise one Mathew Hinton, a weaver, descended of a substantiall famyly in the parish
of Wem; but hee was an idle, drunken, rude fellow as any in this country.
When Mr. Eavans called and Bassnett opened the doore, and when Mr. Eavans saw him, hee
said. Dam ye thou art not mine host. What provoakeing words Bassnet gave I knov not, but Mr.
Eavans drew his sword, and Basnett shut the doore and talked with him throw the window. What
passionate words passed I cannot tell, but I have cause to thinke they were such as is too usuall
amongst drunken persons. Basnett stept out at the back doore and Hinton with him, and comeing
to the oven on the backside Basnett tooke a peele with which they put bread into the oven, and
Hinton tooke a pole which they call an oven proaker. — ("Invenit arma furor.") — They leaped over
the hedge and meeting with Mr. Eavans as hee was going from the house Basnett strooke him with
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I90 ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
the peele which broake at the first blow, and Hmton comemg behinde Mr. Eavans gave him a blow
with the pole on the hinder part of his head which made him couch downe to the horse's necke,
and with a second blow hee strucke him off his horse; some say hee gave him severall blowes when
hee was fallen. They went againe into the house and made fast the doore and left Mr. Eavans
wallowing in his blood in the highway. The people of the house did not come out nor call the
neighbours, but Price who was his companion came into the towne and inquired for the constable,
and sent him and severall of the neighbours to him. It was halfe-an-hour, some say an hour before
any one came to him ; and when they came they found there was life in him, but neither sense nor
motion. The neighboures desired Mary Benion to open her doore that they might bring him in and
lay him on a bedde but shee refused. But when Bassnett and Hinton were fled out at the backe
doore and the constable threatened to breake the door shee opened it.
Mr. Eavans was carryed into the house and laid on a bed, and they found hee had severall woimds
in his head, and that the hinder part of his scull was broaken all to peices ; about eight o'clock that
night hee dyed. The neighbours apprehended Bassnett and putt him under the constable's hands,
and immediately pursued after Hinton, but by the benefit of a darke night hee escaped. The inhab-
itants of Myddle and severall other neighbouring townes made search severall dayes all over the
country for Hinton but hee was never taken. Mr. Eavans's friends were sent for in all haste; and
when they came they caused the Coroner's Inquest to passe on him, and the Jury, some say by
persuasion of the Coroner found it willfiill miurder, and that Laurence Bassnett and Mathew Hinton
were guilty of it The Coroner committed Bassnett to Goale and boimd John Benion and Mary his
wife to appeare att the next Assizes. On the Lord's day following Mr. Eavan's fnends and neigh-
bours and severall persons of quality tooke the Corps in a faire coflin on a Coach draught and
brought him to Oswaldstre where hee was that afternoon solemnly buryed amongst his ancestors.
Laurence Bassnett was arraigned at the next Assizes, and by the Jury was found guilty of man-
slaughter ; had the benefit of his clergy and saved his life. But soone after was taken for a soldier
and is now, 1706, in the Queen's service in Ireland,
Prudentia sine jttstiti& calliditas est : temperantia sine fortitudine ignavia est : Justitia sine temperantia crudelitas est :
et fortitudo sine pnidentii temeritas est.
In the begining of this yeare 1706 there happened a controversy beetweene the Parish of Myddle
and the parish of EUesmeare. I have declared before how Nathaniell Reve purchased lands at
Billmarsh of about £10 per annum ; and that his son Nathaniel sold itt to one Godfirey Cooper,
who sett it to one Samuel Peate for about £11 per annum. This Peate was a slothfiill prateing
fellow, and went much behinde with his landlord, and at last gave his landlord a bill of sale of all his
goods and cattell, reserveing the custody of them for a time, that hee might raise money ; when this
was done hee tooke a tenement in Frankton, in the parish of EUesmeare, and went thither soone after
Lady-day, 1705, and held the same whoally for some time and lived in the house untill Lady-day
1706. But soon after, viz. on Thursday in Easter weeke, this Peate with his wife and foiu* children
was sent by an order unto our Parish of Myddle, and brought to Richard Groome, of Marton, then
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ANTIQUITES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE 191
Churchwarden — sl person who has well deserved of our parish, for his faithfullnesse, diligence, and
paines, as well in this as in severall other matters for the parish. Richard Groome procured the
Minister and chiefe of the Parish to meet and consult next day about this matter ; and by examina-
tion of Peate, wee found that hee tooke a tenement and lands in Ellesmeare Parish, att the rent of
£13 per annum ; that hee held the whoale from Lady-day 1705, untill about Midsmnmer following,
and then hee sett part of a meadow out of it for £2 4.
Hee further declared that sometime after Midsummer, Godfrey Cooper seized and tooke away all
his cattell, and the rest of his goods by virtue of his byll of sale ; and that Peate's landlady Mrs. Finch
before Michaellmas, distrained for rent and tooke all the hay and come that hee had gott there, and
what else amongst his goods was of any value, and tooke all the lands into her hands butt suffered
him and his family to continue in the house untill about Xady-day, 1706 ; and turned him and his
family out of doores, but hee crept into some out-houses, and stayd there untill hee was sent by
order to our Parish ; this wee caused to bee putt in writing, and hee put his hand to it Wee
ordered Richard Groome to give notice to the officers of Ellesmeare Parish, that wee would appeale
att next Sessions, which was to bee on Tuesday then next following, and Mr. Watkins to draw
breviates and fee Cotmsell on the next day after our meeting.
Att the Sessions we had Mr. Wase and Mr. Gardner for our Counsell, Ellesmeare Parish had Mr.
Fones and Mr. Atkins. Our Cotmsell moved that Samuel Peate tooke a tenement and lands in
Ellesmeare worth £10 per annum and upwards, and held them peaceably for above forty dayes,
and thereby had a good settlement The whoale Bench agreed that this was a good settlement; but
the Coimsell on the other side moved that here was a fraud ; and that Peate haveing sold all his
estate before hee tooke this tenement, and had onely the custody of his goods and cattell and was
. not worth two-pence, but tooke this tenement and lands merely to gett a settlement in Elesmeare;
and they urged the words of the Statute which were, "if any man held £10 per annum, bona fide."
Here it was debated whether bon& fide had relation to the takeing or to the value of the land. Mr.
Weaver made a pretty long speech, but it was doubtfuU whether it was more for Myddle or for
Ellesmeare. But Mr. Berkeley very bouldly and plainely gave his opinion and shewed good reason
and authoryty for it, that notwithstanding all that had beene objected, the settlement in Ellesmeare
Parish was good, and that the order for sending Peate to Myddle Parish ought to bee reversed ; and
to this all the rest of the Justices, and att last Mr. Weaver agreed. The order beeing reversed,
Peate with his wife and foiu: children were sent backe the next day to Ellesmeare Parish where they
are now relieved. This Peate as is well knowne was once worth £250, but by his idlenesse came
to a peice of bread.
Ne tibi quid desit, quSBsitis utere parc^,
Utqtte quod est serves, semper tibi deesse putato. — Co/b,
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THE SIGNIFICATION, DERIVATION, AND ETYMOLOGY OF SEVERALL NAMES OF
PERSONS AND PLACES MENTIONED 1*1 THIS BOOKfi;
The Kingdomci of England has beene governed, fonperiy by the Brittaines: next by the Romans:
then by the S^ons; afterward by the Danes: and lastly by the Notmao^. And these people being
of sevefall Languages, it is npe marvile that severall names are cpipposed out of two of these Lan-
guages. As Nantwich from Nani a valey in Welsh, and Wickef a'Splt worke in ^nj^lish. . Beauford
from Beau, faire in French and Ford in English. But they that desire to see morp concerning the
signification of names may see more of this matter in Mr. Camden's Remaines out of which 1 have
taien most of what I have here written: though nota lytle out of Judge Russell's Termes of Law:
Lord Cheife Justice Coke's Institutes: Judge Doddridge his Titles of Honour: Mr. i^olphin, Mr.
Chamberlin and others. But first I will give the signification of severall monosilables of which most
names are composed.
SIGNIFICATION OF SOME MONOSYLABLES. *
Ace : Ach : Ake : an OiUce«
Act : Att : Hat: an Heath.
Ad: £ad:£d: Happy.
Age in the end of a woid Service
from Ago
A1:E1: Ai
Am : see Ham.
Ap : proceeding of, son of
Ar: Ear: Honorable.
Aech: Cheife.
Ard : inclination, disposition.
Ase: ease.
An: All.
B.
Bach : Beach : Bedi: a Brooke.
Bad (in Welsh) a boate.
Bald: bould.
Ban: a Prodamation.
Bar: a Son.
Base: Low.
Beame: a child.
Bel: Good.
Ben: ason.
Beit: Bright.
Boare : Bore : a plowman.
Boise: a wood.
Bon: good.
Brin : a Hill.
Burgh : a Castle.
Bume : a Brooke,
Bye: an house.
C.
Cad : an Army.
Cam: Crooked.
Car: amoyst place.
Cel: great.
Chett: Lytle.
Comb : a Valey*
Cote: a house.
CoiC: a wood.
Cove: Idem.
Cuth : wise or cunning.
Dan: a Lord.
Den: a valley.
Don: Downe: Dun: an hilL
Dov: water.
Dm: Subtile or lively*
E.
Ead: Ed: Blessed.
Ear: Noble.
Erch: Cheife.
Eife: convenient or neare.
£U: all.
Et: Diminitive as Huet.
Ey: a moist place.
Fay: Fey: Haire.
Fen: a moore.
Frank: Free.
Fred: Frid: Peace.
Gaw : Gay: Toyfoll from Gaudio.
Gar: Ger: alL
Greave : Grove : a Wood*
Guth: Good.
Guy: a Guide.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
H.
Har; an Army.
Haw : Haugh : Holme : a valley.
Ham: am: Homo.
Hav: an Hedge.
Holme: defence.
Her : a Lord from Herus.
Hoc: Dirt.
Hold : Lord or governor of an —
Hope: a valley.
How : Hoe : an High place*
Hoard: Hord: a Bayliffe.
Hull: anHilloranHalL
Hord: Hud: Heod: a keeper.
Lane: Lawlie: Lene: Leene: lin: a
plaine place amongst wood.
Law: an Hill.
Lea: Le: Lee: Leigh: Lej:andLyth:
a Leasowy a pastaie.
Leod: People.
M.
Mad: (Welsh) good.
Her: Meire: famouse.
Mor: Meere: the Sea,
Mund: peace.
N.
Nesse: a nose a promontory.
Net; a diminutive as 6a$net or
Boisnet a Little Wood.
O.
Or: Gold.
Orp: fhiitefiill.
Os: an house as Osmaiy, House-
marrow.
P.
This letter is often put for B: as
Pickstocke: Bighstocke.
Paule: litle.
Pen; an Hill or head.
Pet: Litle.
Pim: Plaine to bee seen.
R.
Rad: Rid: Rod: Counsell
Ran: Reine: pureordeaie.
Ric: a Kingdom or Rich— —
Rith: a Lord.
Ros: a Heath.
Schd: a Spring Head.
Seg: Sig: Victory.
Shaf: a Spire.
Shaw: asnadyplace.
Shire: deare,
Shra : a Shrub.
Smeth: smooth.
Stan: the Superlative degree of Trust
or very trusty.
Stey: abrancke.
Stocke: Stow: a place.
Thd ; crop wood.
Theod: people.
V.
Vil : a towne. It is often changed into
feild as Somerfeild for Somervil.
Vili: Willi: Billi: in Germane is many.
Uch: ftirther or beyond.
Ulph: H^p. .
W.
Wald: WUd: a wood.
Ward: a keep.
Wi: Sacred.
Wicke: a forme.
Wic: a creeke.
Worth: weorth: a£ume.
Widi: a salt worke.
Win: a conqueror.
Wolph: ulph: Hilp: Holph; Mp:
Help or Aide
OMITTED.
Beorh: an heap.
Delle: a Ditch.
Fell: Barren.
Glin: a valley.
Holl: a wood.
Hurst: a wood,
lug: a meadow or low ground.
Pat: plaine.
Prat: a meadow.
Row : a sheet.
Kj : Rea : a River.
Rmg: an Indosure.
Trey: Tre: Tiref: aTowne.
Wrec: Wric: Wruc : and Wrcken:
a Heape.
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Whereas severall names doe end in (ton) therefore is it doubtfoll whether (ton) doe signi^' a
towne or \rhether it come from (don or dun) a Hill. The Lord Cheife Justice Coke sayes that the
name of most Townes ending in ^ton) came of (dun) a Hill for that many Townes are situate upon
Hills, Banks, or Riseing Ground. And whereas severall names doe end in (cott) it is doubtful!
whether (cott) doe come from cote (a litle House) or cottage or else from coit in Welsh a wood: But
in both these the Reader may use his owne judgment. Note that (dim) signifyes a diminutive (Fr.)
signifyes french: (Gr.) Greeke: (Ger.) German: (L) Latine: (n n) a nurse name or a nicke name:
(w) Welsh. Note that (B) is sometimes changed into (P) as Pickstocke for Biggstocke, Pickevin for
Bigger Inne. (P) is likewise changed into (B) as Bemon for ap Enion: Bowen for ap Owen.
THE SIGNIFICATION, &c., OF NAMES OF PERSONS AND PLACES, &c.
AbbftoD : an Abbvtowne.
Abri^ton : Albrighton: Aubrighton : a very bright or
bm towne.
Acham : from Ach an Oake and Ham an house or home.
Acherley : for Achesley the Oake Leasow.
Acton: Atton: Hatton: a Heath towne.
Adboston. /: ead boise towne — a Happy Wood towne,
milesse it come from Atboiseton, the Heath wood towne
Adeney : Happy Isle.
Aderley: for Alderley, the old or oulder Leasow.
iEneas Silvias: .£neas: praised, Silvius belong to a wood.
Agdon: see Eaton.
A^ter : is an officer that lays cattell to feed in his Lords
Lands or Hog^es to feed in forests, parkes, or woods.
The money paid for cattell is call'd Agistment and the
money for Hogges Pannage
Albany: from a country soe called white.
Alderton : oulder towne.
Aletha : Truth.
Alice: Alicia: nourishment
Alkinton: a towne where the neighboures were of one
kindred.
Alkemund: Church peace (vid:) Elks.
Allen: Alwin, alwa3rs conqueror.
Almund: all peace.
Alsop: or Aldshope: the ould Valley.
Ames: from Amabilis or from Amedeus.
Anchors : Anchoret : a solitary Liver.
Andrew : manly.
Anne : merry.
Anglesey: a English Iland.
Anselme : Defence of the Realme.
Anthony: flourishing.
Amey : a Daw.
Arthur : a Beare.
Ammdell : a Swallow.
Ash : a tree soe calld.
Astley: East Leasow.
Aston: East Towne.
Astwall: East well.
Audlev: ould Leasow.
Auport : ould way or roade
B.
Baddeley and Badduley : from Bad a boate. The Boate
Leasow.
Bagley: a boggy place.
Bald Meadows in Ancient deeds Board Meadowes from
Boare a plowman.
Balderton: in Ancient deeds, Boardeston : D: is added for
softnesse of pronunciation as Hardwicke for Harwicke.
Baldwin: a bold conqueror.
Bannaster: an Hareoid, a oyer from Bannes, a procla-
mation.
Bamet and Barret (dim) of Barnabas.
Barker: a Tanner.
Baschurch: Boischurch.
Basnet : Boisnet : Little wood.
Bastard : I have read severall derivations of this word :
that which seemes most likely is that it comes from Boes
a German word, and Aid which signifyes disposition.
Now Boes signijfyes rude, undvell and Ladouse as wee
have it Boisterouse.
Beddow {w) a Birdi.
Bedford : a Bad ford.
Belwaid : a good keep.
Benion : for ap Ennion (w) Enion cames from iEnets :
praised.
Benet (dim) a Benedictus.
Berkley : If Berkshire c6me of Bare Oake then Barkley is
Bare Oake Leasow.
Bernard: fUlial disposition.
Berwicke : Burrow wike : a towne farme.
Besford : Boisford.
Blanch : white or faire.
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196
ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
BUnthome: a white Tower.
Brakeley : a Baren or femey pdce.
Bickerton : Bigger towne.
Bicklej : Bi^er Leasow.
Billingsley ilsoylewell Leasow.
Bishop : from the Saxon word Bictop, and tiiat from
Episcopus (fircfk)
Boare Acton : Plowman's Heath towne.
Bolton : a boate towne.
Booth ; a hutt.
Booley : for fieaoley £Bure Leasow.
Bosworth : Boiswoith, wood farme.
BotfeUd: Boatefeild.
Bowrev ; for Bower.
Bradoke: Broade oake.
Brackley : a feamey leasow.
Braine : Bren: Brin : a Hill.
Brandwood ; in andent deeds Bamdewood: Bumtwood.
Brereton from Bruere : a heathen (French)
Bridgnorth: andentlj Brugmorse.
Bmg : a bridge. Morfe (Browne) the name of a conmion
neare the Bridge.
Bristow: a Bright place.
Brockhurst: Brooke wood.
Broomehurst : Hurst is a wood.
Broughton from Buigh a castle.
Bunny and Binny (dim) of Benjamine.
Burleton in old deeds Boarelton (i>.) the Plowman's wdl
Towne.
Buttery: fiirme.
OMITTED IN B:
BeacoU ; (jr.) faire necke.
Beach feild: BrookefeiH.
Baugh: Ljrtle.
Bay^: Bailiffe.
Baxter: a Baker.
Beaufbrd: (fr ) faire ford.
Cadwallader from Cad.(tir) an Anny.
Camden or Campeden.
Canke : this towne tooke name from the signe of a can in
an oake.
Candlin: from Candidns,
Capell the same as Chapell from Capelle (Fr) sedioila.
Cardington: from Car: a low moist place where Alders
grow.
Causer.: Corvisor: Shoemaker.
Chaloner: a towne in Normandy.
Chambre : or Chamebline.
Charles: ig«r.) couragiouse.
Charlton ; Chades his towne.
Chauser : the same as Hosier.
Chester from Castmm a Castle.
Chetwall: a little well
Cbidley : or Chitlev a pease Leasow. Soe wee have
Oateley, Ryley, Wheatley.
Chillin^ton : a cold towne.
CholmeJ^: or Cholmondeley : de calvo montc.
Cibell: Clod's counselL
Ciceley: caedla: grey eyes.
Clare: cleare.
Clarke: from dericus.
Cleaton: or Clayton.
Clifford: Rockyford.
Cliye : a Rock or Rockci
CliTely: a Rockv Leasowe.
Clowes: from Clow (w) faire.
Coit Ouga: {w) the Giant's wood.
Cole: wrenched out of Nicholas.
Colesey: blacke haire.
Cooke: from Coquus.
Coop : from Copok).
Corbet: a Raven.
Comwallis; from com (w) a Home, and Wallis or Wales.
Cotchet: the same as Cottage.
Cotton: a Wood towne.
Coventrey : a covent towne.
Cranage : Crane Service.
Cromwell: or Cromril de cremata villa.
Crowsemeare : or Crossemeare from a Crosse called
Gilloes Crosse that stood neare it: Gillo: comes of
William.
Crtunpe : crooke shoulders.
Crumpton : crooked towne.
Cumberland : or Camberland from Camber : Welsh Land.,
Cuthbert : Cuth is wisdom, and bert : bright and deare.
D.
Dale : a valley.
Dan: from Don a Lord. ■
David : Davis : bdoved.
Dawson : Davison.
Deakon : Diaconus (gr.) a servant : a minister.
Derbey : the Bay or Tending pUu:e of the River Ber r
Camden.
Denbigh : an habitation in a vallcnr.
Dias {n) of Dionysius : Diosoous (gr,)
Dimoke : Dame Oake : Lady Oal^.
Diocesae or Dioesis (^r) a di duo et Electio quasi
sexata (?)
Dod : from Dodo, and that firom
Dodona or from Dei donum.
Dormer: (t^) Deurmaur : a Qieat Wsiter.
Dorothy: Gift of God.
Downton : a Hill towne.
Dravton : a Dry towne«
Dudseston: Dudley's towne.
Du£&en (ze^) a valley.
Dunbar: or Dunbame the Hill wood: bame amongsK
Northem men is a wood.
Dunkerke: the Hill Church.
Dunington : Hill Towne.
Dnnston : very High or Mountanons.
Dunstwall : Dunstans well or tkeHiU well.
Durham : from Dner {w) water and ham an house or
home
DumeU : Deme Hill : or Demvill : a poole towne foi
Deme and Teme signify a poole.
E.
Eardeston : an Earthly Towne.
Eastaston : East Ashtowne.
Easthop ; an east Valley.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
197
Eastwick: East forme.
Eaton : Eadton : Happy or Blessed towne.
Edeshall : from Eciisjw) a Church and Hall or HilL
Edward : Eadward : Happy Keeper.
Edowes : the same as Edwads,
Edge: (nurse name of) Edgar: Happy power or honor.
Edgboulton : Edgars boate towne,
Eg^ey: Edgar's Leasow.
Edgerton : Edgars towne*
Kffinham : Effenham or Evenham.
Emiy : (^er.) Emerich, alwaies Bich,
Endley : the Leasow end.
Elks : nom i,clis {10) a Church.
Ellen: Etinor: from Hellen pitifull, mercifulL
EUerdine : or Ellworthine, Ellens iarme.
EUerton: EUenstowne.
EUesmeare: EUensmeare.
EUage or lUage from Elija ^ a strong Lord.
Ellice : from Elias idem.
Elizabeth ; peace of the Lord.
Erchall: a cheife Hall: noble Hall,
Evan: Evans: Yvan: (w), the same as John in Elnglish:
The Welsh did never use John or Shone till of late.
Excester: from Eske or Ex: the name of the River and
Cester a Cyty.
Eyton : from Eye a moist place.
F.
Fardo: a Ferdinando which Mr. Camden thinks comes
from Fred and Rand : pure, peace.
Fairefax : faire Haire.
Faulkenbridge; the people bridge.
Felton: a teud towne.
Fennjrmeare: a moorish meare.
Fenwicke : a moorish Farme.
Ferrington: a ferry towne.
Femeyhurst : a femey wood.
Fewtiell : feotrell : and feotor : an officer of the Court of
Warde for fines and Levery.
Finch is the name of a Bird and alsoe of a towne in Savoy.
Fitts : Deep holes
Foden : a foule Valley.
Formeston : foremost Towne.
Forton : is apparent
Forest : the Lawyers say is Ferarum Statio which Mr.
Camden laughs at.
Foster: forester.
Francton : a free towne.
Franckwell: francke vil,
Frodsley: Fredericks Ley. Freideric: Rich peace.
Fulke : foulke the same as Publius in Latine.
Garland: orGuirlant from Guerden a reward. Chaucer
makes it a Dogc;'s name. Some person liveing at the
si^e of the GiutEmd gott this name,
Geofry; or GeofHd (Z) Gaufidus: Joyfiill peace.
George {Gr.) Husbandman.
Gerrard : All towardl3messe.
Giles : miserably extracted from .^Igidius, Litle kid ; but
perhaps it may come from Julius.
Gittins: from Griffiths {w) Rough; but some say from
greatefisdth.
Glocester: from Glow (w) &yre.
Godard: Godl^ disposition.
Godfry : Godfridus : God's peace.
Godwm : conqueror with God.
Goddeus: this was antiently called Goulboume's Leasow.
Gorstilan: a GorstihilL
Goshage : Goose service
Gou£h-: Red or a Smith.
Gou^bttzv: a Goulden towne
Grafton : &om Grave or Grove : a wood.
Grant: or Grand: a River soe called.
Grestocke : a Grey Place.
Griffith (w) Gruffith: Rough.
Groome: a servant or waiter.
Grovesnor : a woodman.
Gubbolds : Guybold : a bould Guide.
Guest: is apparent unlesse it bee a nurse name of
Gustavus.
Guilian or Julian : soft Haire,
Gwen or Guen : (w) white.
H.
Hadnall : the Head or Cheife Hall.
Hall or Hales (nn) of Henry.
Hallifox: Holy Haire.
Hampton : Home Towne.
Hanson: Henrye'sson.
Hancocks : see the post script
Hanmeare : Home meare.
Harcourt : the Lord's Court.
Hardwicke: the Higher £uine or the Lord's farme.
Haremeare : Hk;her meare or the Lord's meare.
Harlscott: or Higher Leasow wood.
Haston: or Hurston: a wood towne.
Harwood : Higher or Lords wood.
Hau^bmond : a mount in or neare a greene plott or valley.
Hawkins: (n.M,) of Randle.
Haukston : Hawkins his Towne.
Hayward: a keeper or overseer of Hayment
Henry: if it come of Enrich it is over rich: if of Herrich
it is a rich Lord: (Camdi)
Henks and Hincks seeme to come of Henry.
Herbert : of Herald and Bright.
Hereford : or Hariford tooke his name from Ariconium,
a Towne in the Romans' Time neare this Place.
Hesketh : or Hersketh : a wise Lord.
Heylin : («/) a cupbearer ; promus in Latine.
Higley : in antient writeing Hagley : Hagge is a banke
of trees.
Himns and Higginson seeme to come of Hugh
Helens: comes of Roger.
Hodnet : Litle Roger.
Hodgkins : Hodgkiis {n,n. ) of Roger.
Holt: a wood.
Hopkins: (n,n,) of Robert.
Hcpton : a Towne in a valley.
Hord : a Bailifie, a Steward.
Hordley : the Bailiffe's Leasow.
Horton: the Bailiffe's Towne.
Howard : keeper of an Hill.
Howell or Hoell: Mr. Camden thinks it comes from
Hieliusy as Coel from Coelius.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Huet : (^m) of Hogli.
Hufia: Hifi^
Hugh and Hughes : comfort,
Humphrey : peace in house.
Hunt: a huntsman.
Huntinton: in antient Saxon Huntantum, in old Records
it is Hunteisdune.
Hussej : see the postscript.
Husband: safety of the house.
J-
Idshall : Odoes Hall : odo : peaceable.
{ebbe: corrupted from Tob.
enks : from J enkin and that fit>m John,
llage : from Elija: a strong Lord.
{ohn: Jones: Joane: gratiouse.
oyce: Jocasa: mercy,
reland: Mr. Camden after the mentioning of seyerall
opinions concerning this name seems to conclude that
it came from Erin, which in Irish signifyes the West.
Isombridge : from Eye a moist place ; Holme : a plaine
grassy place by a water side and Bridge.
Tuoces : vide postscript
Judith: prayseing,
Julian from Julius : soft haire.
Isabell or Izabell : the same as Elizabeth as the Gennans
thinke.
K.
Kanke: the common oppinion is that this Towne tooke
its name from a si^ne of a Can in an Oak Tree.
Ka^howell : Howell s feild (a/.)
Kainton : Keinton : Einton : a feild towne.
Kelton or Kalton : Calva villa:
Kenricke : rich in kinred.
Kenwicke: a feild farme.
Key or Kay : a Landing place.
Kilvert : Kalvcrt : cum calvo vertito, bald pate.
Kjmaston : from Cyning a King, and ton, a Towne,
and therefore properly written with Y.
Kinarley or Kinworthlay : the King^s farme.
Knocken is excerpt out of Conoghen, the ancient word for
Queene, as Mr. Chamberlin thinks : and perhaps some
British Queene had her Palace here in ola time.
L.
Lancaster: Loncaster: this was a Cytt^ in the Romans
time : and tooke its name from the River Lone.
Lambeth: from Loome, day or morter and booth a
house, and it may bee that booth came from beth, a
house.
Llansanfroid: St. Frederick's Church; Fredericke is
Rich peace.
Lath : a Bame.
T<atham : a bame house.
Lea: Le: Lee: Li^h: Lyth : Le;^: aLeasowe.
Ledsham : I guesse is ahousethat is covered with Leadde.
Lcichfoild : the feild of dead corpse, and hence wee have
Leichgates and Ldchwake, which was a costome to
sitt up all night in a house where a dead corps was and
there to read, sing Psalmes and pray all nignt
Leighaches : the Oake Leasow : by trflbsvernon Achley
or Ach]ei|;h.
Letice: Letida
Lewellin : a Litle Lion.
Lewis (/r.) Lowis in L. Lodovicas : Refuge of the People.
Lejrsester or Leicester : Mr. Camden oondudes it comes
from Llin (w) a poole.
Leysiches : Sich is a wateiy Glade.
LilshuU: or QuiUshulL
Lincolne : from Llin hv) a poole and collis (Z) a Hill.
Lindies: corrupted from Leenes. Note that Lane:
Lawne: Len: Leene: Lin: signify a plaine place
amongst trees.
Lister: from Leicester.
Lyth : see Lea.
Locket : a little Lake.
London: Londinum. Mr. Camden sales it comes of
Lhong {w) ships, and dinas {w) a cytty or palace*
Loppington : Low Petton.
Losford : a low ford: or if it beeLawsford: the Hill ford,
for Teme Hill is neare it.
Lovekin : a Lover of his kindred.
Lovet : a Litle wolfe.
Lowrv from Lawray : a bay tree.
Llovd: (w) Russett
Ludlaw: see postscript
LullingfeiM : Lyonells feild : Lyondl is a Litle Lyon.
Lluio : (w) a coppy of Wood.
Lluin-y-Groise : tJucke ooppy.
M.
Mack : Mickleworth : a great farme.
Maddey : from Meade a meadow.
Madocke (w) goode.
Ma^elen: Majesticall.
Malpas: Mala platea.
Maing : a person of the Isle of Man.
Mansell : see the Postscript.
Manwaring : see Waring.
Mardiamley: from March a boundary, ham : a house
and Ley, a Leasow.
Maidi and Marsh : a bound or border.
Mardike : Maure (t4^) great ditch.
Mase : a Clauth(z&) the feild ditch.
Massey : (w) the same as fdld.
Mather ; a mower or a herbe, soe cald or perhaps cor-
rupted for Mathew.
Matnews : given or a reward.
Mauld : (n.n) of Magdalen.
Meade : a Meadow.
Mericke {w) it is a nurse name of Maurice, and in Latine
is Meuricus.
Meriton : in Andent deeds Muriden : a Moorish valley,
for such goes throw the Midle of the Towne, and all
the South end is calld Aurish Moore ; or All Sitts
Moore, from deep Holes in it.
Monford : from Maine {w) a stone.
Moody : (W .n) of mauld.
Morrall: Moore Hall.
More : in Irish greate, perhaps for Maure in Welsh.
Morice: from Mauricus.
Morton and Morden : a moore towne or moore vally.
Mortimer: mortunm: mare.
Mould for Mauld.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
199
Monntgomery : Comer's Hill: Corner or Canmer is
famouse Jot.
Muckston and Muddeton : a great towne or great stone.
Mjghen {n,n) of Michael : who is like God.
Mutton: or Meadow towne.
Note that Mauld: Mould: and Moody come of
MaltUda : Alfiicns tumeth Heroine into Hild : soe
that Maltilda is : noble or Honorable Lady of
Maides.
N.
Nant : {w) a valley.
Nantwich : with a salt work.
Nathaniell: GuiftofCod.
Neawans : new ones.
Nessediffe: nesse is a nose or promontaiy and diffe, a
Rocke.
Newport : New Haven or way.
Nidiolas (zr) conqueror of the people, (^Cam :)
Nocke: ar^ooke.
Nondy : this towne did belong to the Abbey of Shrews-
buiy, and in that Charter is Nora Lea.
Norfolke: or Northfolke.
Nonis : a Northern man.
Nottingham: in old writeing Snottingham: it tooke its
name as Mr. Camden sayes from Caves or passages
nndeigroundy of which there be many neare this
Towne.
Oatdv: the oate Leasow unless it bee oorrapted from
Oakdy which by the situation of the place seemes
probable.
Oliver: Olive Bearer.
Onslow : Owen's Hill.
Or^on: Overtowne.
Orret: dodct of from Theoiet or Theodoret: God's gift
Osmary : Housmarrow : Note that marrow is a com-
panioui and thence comes Marryage quasi Marrowage.
Oswaldstre : Oswald, housekemr, tre or tref (w) a towne.
Offey («.») of Odo or Otho : (i/.) endo, well given.
Owen : Eugenius that is well descended.
Oxford : as Mr. Ldand sales comes from Oufford.
Pahie: paganus.
Palin : nom Paulinus.
Paibet: ap Herbert.
Parks and Parker : keeper of a Parke» from paqver f/r.)
toindoase.
Pdrepoint: de petia ponte.
Ptirce: for Peter.
Peiroe^: idem.
Peter m fjr,J is Perre: in (w) Peiroe.
Pellam: Paul-Helme: litlehelpe.
Pemberton: or pen-brooke towne.
Penbrooke: the Head of the brooke or the Hill bnx>ke.
Peplow: see the postscript
Petton: a Little towne.
Pickevin: Bigger Inne.
Pickstocke : a bigg place.
ISglj seetheposucript
Pilston : Puleston : a Poole towne.
Plash : a watery moist place.
Plat: abridge.
Plungen : wrenched out of Plantagenet : a broome sticke.
Podmor : a frx)gge moore.
Pontisbury: abnd^towne.
Powell: ap Howell.
Preece: ap Reece.
Price: Idem.
Preston : a Prdst's Towne.
Prisdla: {dim:) ofprisca Andent*
Puller: a keeper ofa poole.
R.
Ralph: Radulphus: fair Hdpe.
Randulph; or Kandle, deare Hdpe.
Rawston: Rowlands Towne.
Rea : a River.
Rece : (Z) fresh: in {Git.) a (^raiet.
Ranald: royall Love.
Remald : pure love.
Reve : a bayliffe.
Richard : Inclination to goveme.
Richmond : a Rich Hill or Hill of Government
Ridley : from Rid a ford.
Rinken : Renkin {n,n) of Reinhald.
Robert : strong, unlesse it come of Rodbert : fiure counsell
Roderidce: Rich oounseU.
Rodon and Rodington : a road Hill*
Roe: a sort of sm^ deare.
Roger: (i'tr:) Ruger: quiett
Rowlands : Rodlaid : oounsdl of the Land*
Roolands and Rosewood tooke thdre names from Roe
a deare.
Row : a street
Rudceley: seewreken.
Rupert : the same in ger : as Robert
Russell: ap Ursula.
Rushley: a rushy Leasow.
Ruyton; a River towne«
S.
Salisbury : this Cjtty was calld by the Romans Sarbio-
dunum, which in (w) sifi;nifjres a dry HilL By the
Saxons it was calld Searsbyng and after Sarisbury and
now Salisbury.
Sandsaw : a sandy HilL
Soogan : a Scotdunan.
Scriven: ascribe.
Sdman: acheapman.
Serjeant: (m Z) serviens.
Seveme : If I say that this river tooke its name from Sa
and Vomey as Temes did from Tame and Isis, I thinke
I am not much mistaken.
Shaw: a shady place.
Sheardoke : a cropt oake.
Shdveoke: shdve is sidlong.
Sherrey: deare.
Shiffiudl : sheafe a spire and hall.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Shotton: Shott: and Shutt : a passage or place kept in
on both sides with trees or buUdings.
Shiawardine: Sbra: Shnips: and worthinet a Mannor
or farme.
Shrewsbury : in old' Saxon it is Shropsbury, and in (w)
Umwithig, the {w) name signifies pleasant.
Shuker: a Bender.
Silvester : a woodsman.
Simkocks: see the postscript
Soubach : a south Brooke.
Spoonell : or Spoon HiXL Spoon is a place where waters
ishue or run out of a pond or poole,
Staffoid: in old Saxon Stacford or Statford.
Stanley: or Stanlaw : a stony Hill.
Stanwardine: or Stanworthin: worth or wortine signify
a Manor or a place where Courts are kept, and hence
we have Worty and Worrall.
Stan way : a stony way.
Stich : or Stit : a Little round cob.
Stoake : a place.
Stoakett : a little place
Stroton : or stroua towne.
Sugden : a sedgy valley.
Sweeney: a misty or drousy place.
Swanwicke: or Swainwicte: a husbandman's £Eirme.
Tayler : from Tailere fyr) to cutt
Techill : or Tegshill: Teg {w) greene.
Thomes : Thome and Thume signify a Tower.
Tildsley : a peice in Tillage.
Tomkins: from Thomas.
Trefalin: Allin's Towne.
Treginvor : vaur {to) is great. Gin or win, white : Tre, a
towne.
Treby : By is a house and Tre or tref a Towne : The
Towne House or three Houses for Tredean is three
oaks.
Trevlock : the Towne Lake.
Trevor : a great towne.
TrevoKlanth : the great towne Ditch.
Trustan : most Trusty.
Twiford : Two fords
Twisse : a twin.
Tydder: (w) for Theodoret.
Tylley : is softened from Boyley and comes from Boyle
well : or Billwell.
Vavasor : Valvasor : a porter.
Vaughan : {w) Litle.
Udall : excerped out of Udislaus.
Vernon: the name of a towne in Normandy: Greene
springing.
Vincent : victoriouse.
Uxbridge : Ousbridge from Chise or Isis : the river by it.
W.
Wakeley: or Wickley: the farme Leasow.
Wallford : the well fold.
Walker: the same as fuller. Note that wald, wdd, wild,
and wold are the same as wood.
Walter : Waldhcr a wood Lord : an Hermitt : Hems
Mitis.
Watkins : from Walter.
Watson : the son of Walter.
Watstay : this is a feire Hall at the end of that great
ditch cald Clauth Wat : and here (they say) Wat or
Walter, staid from going further with his ditch.
Waring : see the postscript
Warwicke : in old Saxon wappyngwyc : in (w) Guamit
from Guarth : a Garrison ana wit : a oreeke or bending
of the River.
Web: a weaver.
Webscott : Weaverswood.
Wem: a Belly.
Wenlocke : a winding Lake.
Weston : I have scene it in an old deed (written about
300 yeares agoe) cald Vaston, and because Vaston is a
wast or common, it may take name from thence.
Whitdiurch : album monasterium.
Whitcomb: White valley.
Whittington: in (w) Drewin.
Whitrishes*: white rushes.
Whixall : or Wikes Hall.
Whood : or Hud : a keep. (Camden.)
Whottall : White HalL
Wicherley : from wike a &nne and ley.
Willey : a farme
Wilkinson : from William.
Willet : Lytic WUliam.
William: Help to many.
Willeton : Wilton, Wiltsheire : from wild a wood.
Win: White.
Wingfeild : see postscript.
Wirrall : (w) greene or fresh.
Wollascott: Wollaston : Wolvaureley from wold a wood.
Wolph: helpe.
Wolrich: Governor of woods.
Wolverhainpton : unphronvill, Hampton.
Wombridge : from Worn a belly.
Wooderton: or Wood herton.
Woodcot : Woodhouse.
Worcester: in (Z) vigomia : Vigome's Citty.
Wreken: Wrockcester: Wrockwardine : Wrexham: see
postscript
Write : Wright : an Artificer in timber as Myllwright,
Cartwright
Y.
Yendley: forEndley.
Yeadeston : from Eard, Earth.
' Yeomans : from Zeman y'frr.J
Yorke : b pickd out of Eboratum.
Yorton : the same as Overton.
Zanchey: (i^-) but in (LJ sanchus.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE. ;io|
POSTSCRIPT.
Because many names of Persons and Places doe require more to be said of them than can
conveniently bee written in the narrow coUumes, I have tiierefore referred tiiem to bee put in this
Postscript in Alphabetical order.
Allan: Allen: or Allin: Mr. Camden takes much paines about this name; but at last concludes
that it comes from iSlianus: sunbright But because I finde in Ancient Cronacles that the same
person is sometimes named Allin and sometimes Allwin, therefore I think it comes of Allwin:
allwaise victoriouse.
Banaster : Mr. Camden thinks comes from Balneator: But because Ban in Ancient Saxon (in
Latine Banum) signifyes a proclamation, therefore I thinke I may rationally conclude that Banaster
signifyes an Herald: a Cryer or one that makes proclamations: Hee thatt proclaimes a Court of
Judicature is calld a MarshialL
Hancocks : Mr. Camden saies comes of Handicocke. Simcocke of Simple cocke : But because
nurses doe usually adde cocke and cockey to the nurse-names of theire small nurslings, therefore I
thinke Hancocke comes of Henry, Willcicke of William, Simcock of Simon, Alcocke of AJlin.
Hussey: Mr. Camden sayes comes from Hosatus. But since Husse is a German name, and
wee usually add the letter (y) after some names as Massey for Mase (w) a feild; Wikey for Wike a
farme: Bowry for Boure, therefore I think Hussey comes of Husse, a goose: and it is not strange .
to have names taken from Birds, as Cocks, Swan, Drake, Sparrow, Finch, Wren.
Jukes: some terme it Dukes as if it were dockt of from Marmaduke (more mighty); But it may
come of Jenx, a towne in Normandy; or because the Juits came from Jutland with the Saxons into
England, it may come from Juit, and it is usuall to take names from the Country that persons come
from as Scot, Danes, Welsh, Norman.
Ludlaw : from Leod people, and Law a Hill : Peoplaw is the same. It was a costome amongst
the people of some parts of this nation in old time to meet on some Hill, and there to keep a Court
and to make By Law for good Government amongst themselves, and to enquire whether the Laws
formerly made had beene duely kept, and to this day the men of Peplow have some shew of this
custome, for the day beefore theire Court Leet they meet on a bancke in the Towne and there con-
sult of and agree what they aie to doe and what to present at the Court. They call theire meeting
the Parva's, and the place they call the Para or the Paa Greene.
Mansell : this seemes to mee to bee the same as Ansell, and to come of Anselmus (Defence of
Authority.) And I conceive the cause of putting (ni) before it came by haveing the Christian name
that went before to end with {m) as William Mansell for William Ansell. — ^Jerom Mansell, &c
Pimhill and Pimley : here it may seeme that Pim is corrupted from Pen the Head or top : but
it may bee from PenvilL Wee have a tradition that it was a towne and the waies goeing towards it,
the shew of old ditches for gardens and a well neare it seeme to confirme it to have beene a towne :
it gives name to the Hundred.
Waring seemes the same as Warden : a keeper, and Mr. Camden sayes Manwaring is for Menell-
waring. Menell in (fr,) a house, soe Manwaring : house-keeper.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS Of MYDDLE.
Winfeild : Wingfeild is a towne in Darbyshire, may give name to 4 family. But Winfeiid
(conqueror in feild) seems to bee the right name ; but feild is often corrupted for (vil) and if itt bee,
Winvill, it is White Towne.
For Simcocks see Hancocks.
For Peplaw see Ludlaw.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
203
CONTENTS.
Situation of the Parish of Myddle
Boundaries of the Parish of Myddle
Brooks
Bridges
Myddle Church
Hadnal Chapel
„ Petition concerning
Church Advowsons and Patrons ... ... .
Rectors of Myddle
Terrier belonging to ...
Parish Clerks of
Lordship of Myddle ...
The Lords Strange
Derby, Earls of, Family of the Stanleys ...
Family of Edgertons ...
,, Earls of Bridgewater
Myddle Castle
„ Inhabitants of ...
Myddle Park
Meres and Pools
Haremeare Warren
Commons
Myddle Wood
Customs in the Lordship
Highways
Divlin, Signification of the Word
Accidents which happened in Myddle, temp. Chas. i.
Seats in Myddle Church, Observations on
Sleap Hall alias Lyttle Sleap
Cases and Controversies which have happened between Myddle and other Parishes
Conveniences of the Parish of Myddle . . .
Shrewsbury, Castie, and Siege of •
Oswestry, Siege of ...
Appendix : — ^Accoimt of Family of Haywards, &c.
„ Derivation, &c., of Names of Places
„ Signification of ditto ditto . . .
PAGE.
9
9
10
10
12, 43
12
13
14
15
20
%p
22, 26
23
23
25
25
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
36
37
39
43
5c
175
176
179
181
193
195
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204
ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
GENERAL INDEX.
AbiDgton 144.
Acherley, Andrew 10, 22, 81, 44, 45, 48, 49, 52, 53, 66,
69, 78, 164.
Acherley, Richard 10, 81, 49, 52, 56, 73, 157.
Acherley, Thomas 11, 18, 29, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 69, 70,
73, 90, 146, 164, 169.
Acherley, Eleanor 18, 60.
Act of Uniformity 19.
Acton 86.
Acton Reynald 82, 85, 95, 104.
Adbrighton 9.
Adbaston 13, 14.
Adbrighton or Albright Hussey 24, 81.
Adeney 104, 143.
Advantages of Myddle Parish 175.
Albany, Mr. 140.
Alderton 9, 10, 86, 45. 82, 90, 114, 122, 125, 126, 128,
180, 182, 186, 187, 146.
Alderton Hall 136, 138.
AUdnton 19.
Allen, Bernard 168.
Allerton 136.
Alle8tre,Dr. 144.
Almond, Michael 166.
Akope, Widow 139.
Ames, Robert 45, 55, 70, 117, 131, 132.
Ames, Family of 180, 131, 132, 136, 145.
Ames, Tenement 130, 137.
Anchors, Family of 118.
Amway, Family of 129.
Arthurs, John 40.
Arundell, Earl of 46, 85, 146.
Astley, Ralph 109.
AstkyChapellry 87.
Ash, Thomas, of Marton 48, 69, 147.
Ash, Family uf 134, 147.
Aston 140.
Aston, Mr. Thomas, Shrewsbury School 87.
Aston, Family of 89, 104.
Atcherley, Family of 49, 60.
Audley, Lord 23.
Aupert, — , of Cheshire 83.
Baddeley, Family of 106, 129, 168.
Bagley, 46.
Bagley, Matthew 67, 100.
Baker, — of Marton 48.
Baker, Thomas 96-9^ 101, 148, 153.
Baker, Anne P6-7.
Bakers, Family of' 145.
Bald Meadow Lxiie 37.
Balderton 9, 33, 3(5, 37, 63, 69, 71, 73, 74, 79, 109, 112,
114 120 123 129
Balderton Hail 61,' 63, 126, 189. 140-4, 133, 140.
Balderton Green 83.
Banaster, Family of 36, 64, 64,90, 96, 118, 162.
Bamwood 30, 36.
Barker, Mr., of Haughmond 66.
Baschiirch 9, 10, 11, 47, 63, 71, 79, 97, 105, 120.
Battiefield 9, 24.
Battlefieii Fair 2i, 56,131.
Battlefield Church 24.
Baugh, Family of 67, 76, 99, 100.
Baiter, R. 19.
Baxter, Edward 157, 159.
Bayley, Thomas 117.
Bayley. Francis, of fillesmerc 149.
Beacall, Family of 117. 189.
Bellward, William, Lord of Mai pas 25.
B^nnion, John 27, 40, 63, 93, 108, 153.
liennion, Family of 120, 121.
Berkley, Frances, of Hadnal 13, 167, 174.
Berrington 51.
Berwick Alms Houses 180.
Besford 99, 101, 149.
Bickerton, John 117.
Bickley, Family of 88, 112, 113, 132, 133, 143.
Bickley Tenement 80, 130, 132, 150.
Bill Well 38.
Billa Meadow s 38.
Bilk Park 38.
Billingsley, John, Vicar of Kynnerley 132, 133.
Billmarsh 85, 37, 38. 50, 69, 71, 75-8, 138.
Billmarsh Green 37, 75.
Billmarsh Farms 75, 120.
Bing, Mr., Curate of Myddle 121.
Birch HaU 42.
Bird, Family of 66, 142.
Black NeU 67.
Blakcmeare 23.
Blakemore, William 104.
Blauthome's Cottage 33.
Blctchley 93.
Bolton Barnabas 139.
Booth, Charles 144.
Booth, Sir George 142.
Borde or Bald Meadow 53, 61.
Boreatton 46, 47, 48,
Bosworth Field, Battle of 24.
Boulder, Andrew 128.
Bowrey, Mr., of Holt 47.
Brackley, Viscount 26.
Bradford, Earl of. 17, 94.
Bradocke, Family o^ 47, 48, 110, !13, 121, 129.
Brandwood 30, 87, 88, 100, 112, 180, 132. 133, 140.
Biaines, Family of, 56, 67, 68, lOo, 120, 121, V26, i:)4.
Braine's Tenement 122,
Brercton, Family of, 42.
Brereton, Sir WiUiam,' 67, 167.
BrickhUl 17, 39.
Bridgman, Sir John 118.
Bridgman, Ejntaph on 118.
Bridgnorth 39, 51, 139.
Bridgwater, Earls of, 16, 18, 19, 25, 26, 32, 51, 57, rt2,
e6y 71, 76, 86, 90, 93, 105, 109, 114, 116, 120, 129,
132, 134, 147. 149, 163.
Bristle Bridge 11, 12, 37.
Bromley, Walter 122.
Broughtoii 9, 10, 18, 19, 38, 55, 76, 80. 83, 136, 137
Broughton Church 186.
Broomhurst Farm 26, 81,68, 70, 116, 117, 140, 141
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLK
205
Broadway Bank 37.
Brownes, Family of, 98, 99, 101, 102.
Buchanan, George 138.
Bull in the Bam, Fnu^ell, Shrewsbury 114.
Bulmarsh 38.
Bunny, Philip, of Hadnal, 81.
Burgh Pool 10.
Burlton Moors 12.
BurltonMiU 12.
Burleton 37, 46, 117, 134, 142.
Butler, Arthur 138.
Button, Lady 144.
Buttry, Elinor 73, 74.
Bylleraars 38.
Byron, William 110, 111, 112.
Oaudlin, William 160.
Capper, John 106.
Castle Farm 63, 66, 89, 119, 120.
Catchett, William 56.
Catchett, Anne 56.
Causer, Family of, 139.
Oayhowell 47, 105.
Clialouer, Family of, 39, 40, 41, 51, 67, 59, 62, 112, 115
146, 148, 153, 154, 155, 156, 159. 162,
Challoner*8 Tenement 33;
Chambres, FamUy of, 14, 15, 96. 140. 149.
Chambre, Arthur 15, 25, 52, 56, 93, 94, 13'?, }'^^, U,<
141,149.
Chambre, Charles, of Burleton 50. . •
Chambre, John, of Wolverley 77.
Chambre, Andrew, of Sweeney 96.
Chambre, George, of Loj»i.iiigton 106.
Chambre, Mrs. Mary 116.
Chambre, Michael 140, HI.
Charlton, Mr 75, 130.
Chaucer 111.
Cheshire, Martm 106.
Chester 97, 108.
Chetwall, Elatherine 80.
Chidlow's Tenement 158, 159.
Chidlows, Family of 159.
Cliidley's Tenement 29, 151.
Chidlcys, James 151.
Child, Thomas 54.
Chirbury Tithes 87.
Cholmley, Mr. 114.
Christ Church, Oxford, 19.
Clarkes, Family of 30, 31, 62, 80, 106-7-8, 114, 164.
Clares, Leasow 115.
Clares, Family of 169.
Cleaton's, Family of, 17, 22, 39, 45, 51, 52, 55, 70, 112,
134, 144, 152.
Clifford, Madam 158.
Clifford, Mrs. Aletha 17,
aiveley, Mr. 139.
Clive, Mr,, of Walford 134.
Cliye, Family of, 46, 47, 48.
CUye 12; 77, 84, 107.
Clive Chappelry 9, 10, 86, 87.
CUyes of JStits or Stich 46.
Coalen, — , of Shrewsbury 93.
Cockshutt 41, 104, 126, 127, 128, 143, 144
Cockshutt Chapel 18, 118.
Coidgrath, St. Majfins 82,
Coke. William 22.
Coyd Dugon, near Oswestry 96.
Colefax, Thomas, of Muridon 36, 54, 128.
Cole, Mr, of Shrewsbury 60.
Collier, John 128.
Collins, Comet 40, 41.
Comins, Canon, of Precce 116.
Oondover 138,
Cooke, Family of, 51, 69.
Cooper, Family of, 134, 135, 138.
Cooper's Tenement 33.
Corbett, Miles 142.
Corbett^ Sir Udall 163.
Corbett, Captain 104, 151, 160.
Corbett, Mr., of Mereton 127.
Corljett, Sir Andrew 11, 17, 25, 30, 61, 77, 95, 104 129
134 hJ U5^^' ^^' ^^' ^^' '^^^ ^^' ^^» ^^* ^^' ^^^'
Corbett, Sir Vincent, 42, 46, 101.
Corbett, Roger of Shawbury 46.
Corbett, Family of, (Moreton Corbet) 46, 64. 73, 95. 100
104,122,156. ./o, jr^, luu,
Corbett, FamUy ol, (Stanwardine) 46, 48, 78. 89 184, 155,
Corbetts, Family of, 46, 50, 68, W.
Corbett, Pelham, of Adbright Hussey 58, 81, 151
Corduga, near Oswestry 148.
Cotton, Family o^ 44, 65, 82, 83, 136, 139.
Cotton's Tenement 137.
Coventry and Litchfield, Bishop of, 18 14,
Cross's Tenement 31. ' '
Cro.^s's, Family of, 78, 132, 145, 147.
Crowsmeare 104, 118.
Crump. Family of. 95, 96.
Cumberland, Henry Clifford, Earl of, 25.
Dale, Mr., Rector of Middle 14, 20, 25, 105
Dale, Hugh 108. i » » .
Dale, Adam 152.
Dan David of Malpas 25.
Davies Tenement 33.
Davies Family of 55, 57, 62, 63, 64, 80, 115, 116, 136,
149, 154, 159. '
Dawsons, Family of, 101.
DeaKins, Family of, 129.
Death of Many of the Nobility 1701, 163.
Derby the Earls of, 25. 28, 29, 30, 31, 58, 1C3, 106, 108,
117, llo.
Dickin, Family of, 104.
Dimock, Fiimi'ly of, 65.
Ditches, The 19.
Ditcher Margaret, 130,
Divlin Wood. 29, 37, 38, 114. 115.
Divlin Lane, 37, 149, 151.
Dod, Family of, 12, 28, 93, 94, 145
Downtous, Family of, 44. 56, 68, 70, 81, 82, 114 117
Draken Hill, 62. '
Drayton, 36, 144.
Dudley Baron, 25.
Dunbar, Earl of. 24.
Dunbar, Battle of, 131.
Dunkirk, Seige of, 59.
Dunstall Pitt, 10.
Durtwicb, 132,
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE,
Eagle Farm, i4. 45, 62. 66, 118.
Eagle and Child The, Middle, 66.
Eatone, Family of, 82, 68, 66, 57, 112, 115, 120, 129.
Eaton, 120,
Eaton, Sir Gerard, 131.
Earans. Roger, Esq., 103.
Eavans, Murder of Koger, 188.
Eavans, Dr. of Ruyton, 138.
Eavans, Family of, 188.
Eavans, Tenement of, 167.
Ecleshall Castle, 13.
Eilge's Tenement, 25, 73, 157.
Edgerton, Towue of, 26.
Edgar's Town. 25.
Edge Hill, Battie of, 39.
Edgebolton, 73.
Edgerley, 46.
Edgerley William, 94.
Edge, Thomas, 72, 73.
Edwards, Family of, 62, 66, 67. 128. *
Edwards, Sir Francis, 88, 88, 112, 163.
Egerton, Rt. Hon. Lord Keeper. 15, 26, 31, 72.
Egerton, Sir John 25.
Egertpn, Family of, 25.
Egerton, Sir Thomas, Baron Elesmeare 26.
Ellesmeare 11, 12, 18, 28: 25, 31 87, 41, 94, 106, 108, 115'
120, 126, 127, 180, 143, 149.
Ellesmeare, Baron 26.
Ellerton's Epitaph 76.
Ellerton*8 Grange 105, 129.
EUerdine 129.
KUice, Family of, 160.
Elks, Hugh 71, 72.
Elks, Thomas 72,
Emstrey 53.
Endley's Cottage 83.
English Frankton 53.
Estwicke or Easton 94.
Eyton 45, 46,71, 72.
Eyton, Soudley, Esq., 163.
Fardoe, Thomas. 57.
Fell, Dr., 14^
Fennyhttrst — of Chester, 47.
Fen wick. Elizabeth, 98.
Fencimeare, 28, 29, 31, 33, 68, 119, 133.
Fewtrell's Tenement, 80, 133, 149.
Fewtrells, Family of, 84, 100, 149. 150.
Finch, Robert of Cockshutt, 78.
Finch, Francis, 112.
Fitz, 114.
Fleet, The, 77.
Fletcher^ Alice, 122.
Forton, 113.
Formeston's Tenement 144, Ut?, 149.
Formestons, Family of, 39, 58, 59, 60, 68, 69. 82, 88, 100,
117, 134, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 156.
Fosbrooke, William, 63.
Foster or Forester, Rev., Rector of Myddle, 15.
Foster, Thomas, 152.
FowJ^, Rev. Dr., 1 19.
Fox, — of the Hurst, Esq„ 163.
Freemans, Family of, 53, 72, 116, 145, 146.
Freeman's Tenement 116.
Froadsley, 89.
Fulke. Dr., 182.
Gallow tree Reld 27, 64,
Gallow tree Stile 27.
Gardner, Mr., of Sansaw 85.
Gardner, Mr. John 129.
Garland's Tenement 134.
Garland, Family of, 63, 56, 70,
Gefiferies, — , of Stanton 107.
Geoxges, Family of, 94.
Gerard, Mary 47.
Gery's Style 38,
Gittins, Family of, 28, 32, 40, 44, 62. 66, 69, 70, 76, 80,^
83, 84, 88, 89, 90, 93, 107, 109, 117, 118, 119, 120,.
134, 135^ 161.
Gittins, Vicar 9fl^ 119, 1^0, 150, 162.
Gittin^ Mr. Richard 20.
Gflover. Famfly of, 102, 1031 106.
Goblin Hole 11,40,
Goch, Philip 25.
Godolphin,— , 102.
Goddard, Dr. 161.
Goddard's Drops 161.
Goldboum's Piece 82.
Goldsbury, Mr. 93.
Gorstilow', Elinor 83.
Goslin, Family of, 68, 184, 136, 144.
Gossage, John 57, 68, 111.
Gothomes or Goddices 82.
Gower, Mr., of Chilleton 135.
Goughs, Family of. 16, 22, 47, 49, 73. 82, 94-6, 99, 100-3.
104, 106, 118, 120, 142, 149, 162.
Graver, Mr. 139.
Great Bolas 75.
Great Ness. 128.
Green woller Walter, 88,
GreenselU 9, 10, 16, 17. 88, «, 129-
Green ult of Astley, 138.
Greisull, 38.
Grey's Hill, 38.
Gre^sull, 38.
Greisiillway, 38.
Grey's Bank. 38.
Grestocke, Edward, 75.
Grestocke's Cakes, 75.
Grisull, 16, 38.
Grilleshill. 16, 17, 38.
Grille^ibull, 16.
Griesty, 16, 17,38.
Grisshill, 88.
Grisogonel, 38.
Grielleshill, 38.
Grillsbull, 38.
Groom, FamUy of, 81, 48, 50, 57, 69, 71, 72, 73, 82, 83,
89, 104, 106, 116, 139, 146, 146.
Groom's Cottage, 83
Griffiths, Family of, 49, 103.
Griffiyths, Captaine, 108.
Griest*s Tenement, 29, 114.
Griests, Family o^ 114, 115*
Hadley, 62.
HadnaU. 9, 10, 13^, 14, 21, 54.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
207
HadnaU's Ease 9, 12, 18, 15, 18, 19, 59.
HadnaU Chapel 12, 18, 14, 20, 21, 22.
HadnaU Petition 13.
Halowell Mere, 86.
Haloh, 36, 53.
HaU Marsh, 21.
Halls, Family o( 82. 58, 58, 63, 69, 78, 79, 82, 83, 125.
188, 148, 144, 153.
Hampton Wood 46.
Hancock, Family of, 80, 83.
Hanmer's Cottage 83, 51.
Hanmere, Family of, 45, 46, 47, 48, 52, 53, 105, 184, 145,
147, 160, 161, 168.
Hardwicke 16, 88, 78.
Hardwicke Farm 9, 10, 16.
Hardwicke Gronnds 10, 16, 17.
Haremeare Moss 83.
Haremeare Warren 80, 81. 144.
Haremeare Hill 183, 143.
Haremeare Heath 10, 27, 80, 81, 82, 87, 54, 61, 62, 82, 88,
121.
Haremeare 11, 21, 25, 30, 82, 61, 62, 104, 114, 129.
Harewood, John 127.
Harhouse Bank 28, 29.
Harlescott 56, 80.
Harries, Sir Thomas 47.
Harris, Sir Paul, of Boreatton 67.
Harwood, Thomas, of Shrewsbury 49, 52, 78, 157.
Harris. John 62.
Hassall, Mr. 85.
Haston 9, 10, 86, 54, 56.
Hastings, Lord Edward, 25.
Hatchetf s Tenement 109, 129.
Hatchetts, FamUy of; 104, 105, 114, 119, 129, 130.
Hattoii Hine Heath 122.
HaughmoDd Abbey 16.
Haughmond Abbey, Register at 16.
Haughton Farm, Ellesmere 130.
Haww Cross 16, 17. 38.
Haywards, Family of, 40, 71, 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, 93,
95, 113, 122, 12a, 124, 125, 127, 128, 141, 144, 181-7
Hay ward's Tenement 122.
Heath, William 116, 117, 119.
Heathend 17, 39.
Haddens, Family of, 91.
Heighway, Thomas 115.
Hell Hole or HeUd Hole 38.
Heneage, Samuel 149.
Heneage, Captain 149.
Hesketb, Cuthbert 128.
Hewitt, John 20.
Heylins, Family of, 90.
High Hatton 122.
High Erchall 17, 40.129.
Highway, Thomas 20, 57.
Higley, George 42.
Higley. David 122.
Higginson, FamUy of, 55, 61,62, 121, 122, 127, 129, 130,
139.
Higginson Cottage, 83.
High Hurst 100, 104.
HiU Wayes or Hill Cross, 88.
Hill Rowland, Esq., of Hawkestone, 47, 49, 180.
Hills, Family of, 75, 76, 120, 150.
Hill's Tenement 133.
Hill Leasowe 31, 109.
Hilton, John 77.
Hinks, Family of, 54, 184.
Hoard, John, Lord of Walford, 78, 79, 145.
Hodnett 11, 58, 113, 129, 188.
Hodden, Family of, 75, 81, 91, 92, 98, 109, 186.
Hodgkins or Hoskins, Family of, 120, 121, 122, 129.
HoUway, Rer, W. 19, 20, 22, 44, 108, 154.
HoUing Farm, The 15, 51.
HoUoway Hills, 80, 81, 37, 41.
HoUoway, Barnabas 108,
Hook of the Wood, 157.
Hopkins, Family o^ 81, 100,
Hopton Castle, 39,
Hopton 113, 183.
Hords, Family of, 45, 79, 145.
Hordley, 88.
Hor^, Family 0^ 134, 152.
Hordley's Tenement, 29, 134,157.
Hordley Gate, 37.
Horton, Family of. 90, 91, 93, 132.
Horton's Tenement, 91, 155.
Hoskin, Thomas of Webscott, 31, 32.
Hotspur, 24.
Hotchkiss, Family of, 84, 124, 188.
Houlston,9, 87, 59, 88, 84, 85, 88, 89, 112, 113, 118,
148.
Houlston Lane, 66.
Houle Dorothy, 94.
Huets, Family of, 68, 185.
Huffas, Family of, 75.
Hughes, Thomas 14. 55.
Hulston, Thomas 84.
Hunt, Rowland Esq., of Boreatton 11.
Hunt. Family of, 20, 50, 51, 106, 109, 122, 140.
Hunrs Tenement, 20, 91, 94, 109.
Husband, John 11.
Hussey, Family o^ 38, 54, 55, 78, 74, 110, 111, 112.
Hussey, Sir Richard of Albright Hussey, 80, 91.
Ireland, Robert of Shrewsbury, 54.
Ireland, Thomas Esq., 163.
Isombridge, 131, 143.
• of Ash, 76.
Jackson
Jeffreys, Six George, 86.
Jennings, Mr. 49.
Jenks, Family of, 104, 122, 182, 143.
Jewks, Roger 134, 135. 148-
Job, Georee 76.
Johnson, Mr., dyer, 105.
Johanneus Eztraneus quintus Dominus de Enokin, 35.
Johannis de Borleton, 85.
Johe de Le, 86.
Johs de Selvaks, 86.
Jones. Franois, alias Reeoe 81.
Jouer s Tenement, 33, 155.
Jones, Family of, 82, 90, 91, 180. 185, 186, 155, 156, 158,
162.
Jones, Col. John 142.
Jones. John, Town Clerk of Oswestry 149.
Joyce John 66,* 128. *
Joyce, Anne 128.
Jukes. Family of, 12, 80, 82, 85, 86, 40, 50, 51, 54, 55,
66, 58, 59. 66, 67, 69, 70, 147, 148.
Juxon, Bhp. 122, 128.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Kavhowell, 46. 47, 48, 105, 110, 121, 129.
Kelton, Mr. of Wytheford. «0.
Kenwick'B Wood, 55, 140.
Kenwick's Park, 66, 84, 140.
Kenwicke, 128.
Kinaston, Sir Edward of Oteley, 28, 80, 108, 121.
Einaston, Sir Boffer, 28, 59. 117.
Kinaston, Humphry 28, 29, 117.
Kinaston's Cave, 28, 29.
Kinaston's Arms. 28.
Kiaastons, Family of, 29, 82, 45, 46, 48, 52, 68, 64, 78,
79. 141, 145.
Einnerley, 132, 105.
Knight, Kichard 54.
Knockin, 28, 29, 85, 88, 72. 100.
Knockin Castle, 27, 28.
Knockin Heath, 29, 72.
Kyffin, Elizabeth 62.
Kjnaaton, Ealph Rev., Rector of Myddle, 12, 15, 16, 17,
18, 51, 62, 152.
Kynaston, Family of, 16, 18^ 22, 48, 50.
Lantaster, House o^ 25.
Langford, Roger 111. .
Langley, Jonathan, Esq, 16S.
Langley, 106. 109. 122.
Laths, Family of, 142, 143.
Latham, Sir Thomas, 28.
Latliam Hall, 23.
Law Cases— Middle— Cardington 165.
Middle— Shawbury, 165.
Middle— Preston Gubbalds. 167.
Middle — Gloncestershire. 168.
Middle— Oondorer, 168-9.
Middle— Wem, 170
Hadnall's Ease— Myddle, 171.
Myddle— Ellesmere, 190.
Lea, Sir Humphrey, 16, 17, 80, 32, 54, 74, 109, 122, 127.
Lea, Sir Richard 104, 106, 109, 128.
Lea Hall, 16, 32, 109, 111.
Lea Lane, 32, 37, 54.
Leaton Heath, 54.
Lea wans, Thomas 129.
Lee, near Ellesmere, 130.
LedshanS, Rev. Peter 22.
Leighton, Mr. Harcourt of Plash, 135.
Leicester, 24.
Lessuages, The 12,
Lettice. Mrs. 184.
Lilshull, Manor of, 73.
Linches Lane, 28, 29, 37,
TincheSs Hall, 28, 29,
Litchfield, 114. 115, U7.
Littleton, Philip 42,
LitUe Drayton, 74, 110.
Little Ness, 99.
Llansaintfraid, 18, 50.
Llanguedwin, 66.
Lluin-y-Groise, 105.
Lloyde, Dr. Bishop of St, Asaph, 13, 14.
Lloyds, Family of, 51, 58, 56, 83, 88, 89, 102, 122, 127,
135, 148, 152.
Lloyds of Acton, Family of, 141.
Lloyd, Richard of Kaybowtdl, 46, 47.
Lockett, Mr. 49.
London, 11, 18, 85, 102, 106, 124, 125, 181.
London, Fire of, 181.
London, Plague of, 146.
Loppington, 9. 15, 36, 72, 85, 110, 13!, 145.
Loppington, Manor of. 85, 86.
Lostor£ 58.
Lovekins, Family of, 50, 1 49.
Lovetts, Family of, 63, 135.
Ludlow, Sir Henry 46.
Ludlow, 95, 118.
Ludlow, Prince of Wales Court at, 118.
Ludlow, Major General, 142.
Luin, near Oswestry. 97.
LylshuU Abbey, 16,78,122.
Lyster, Richard Esq., 76, 136.
Lyster, Sir Thomas, 80.
Lyster, Thomas Esq., 168.
Mackworth, Judge 98, 99, 101, 108. 135, 177.
Maddocks or Maddoz, Family of, 54, 93, 128, 138.
Maesburjr, 96, 103.
Malpas, Lords of, 25.
Mdlpase, William de, 25.
Man, Isle of (Lords of) 23, 24.
Maning. Family of, 40, 41, 62, 64.
ManseO, Family of, 41, 93, 94.
Manwaring, Family of, 50, 51, 63.
Marches of Wales, 26, 64, 104.
Mardike, Siege of, 182.
Mardike, 59.
Marton, 9, 10. 11, 18, 25, 29,31, 33, 36, 39,45, 9, 50, 52,.
69, 73, 116, 118, 134, 144, 151.
Marton Pool, 11.
Marton Meare, 31.
Market Drayton, 73, 84. 114.
Marshes, Family of, 138.
Maesbrooke, 143.
Mathers, FamUy of, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 161, 162.
Mathews, Family of, 81, 90, 91.
Maurwheale near Wrexham, 100.
Maurice, Prince 41.
May, Houora 134.
Meare House, 11, 61, 62.
Medlycoates Oak, 30.
Menlove, Fanaily of, 55, 98, 166,
Mercer, Richard 61 , 62.
Meriton, Ground 37.
Meriton, Family of, 57, 58, 68.
Meriton Green, 34.
Meriton, 125. 127, 128, 182.
Middleton, Sir T. 142.
Mill Brooke, 10.
Mill Pool, 17, 38.
Mimmcs Hertfordshire 72.
Mitton, Gen. of Halston, 41.
Montford Bridge, 113.
Moody; John 122.
Moor Lane, 28, 29.
Moreton Corbett, 17, 40.
Moreton Corbett Castle, 97.
More, FamUy of, 11, 12, 18, 44, 62, 66, 68, 70, 92, 117.
118, 149.
More. Rev. Thomas 11, 12, 18, 19, 22, 66, 67, 121.
Morgan, Bailey 58, 66, 118.
Morgan ap Probert 66, 117, 119.
Morgan, Family of, 118, 119.
MorraU, Robert 113.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
209
Morrice, Family r»f, ISO, 162, 154.
Mornlls, Bobert 188.
Mortimer, Edward Earl of Marsh, 24.
Mould, FamUy of, 158, 159.
Muckleton, Family of. 49, 114, 122, 125,126, 127, 128,
180, 186, 187, 188.
Myddle LordsUp 9, 22, 28, 25, 26, 29, 81, 88.
Myddle Church, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20, 82, 105, 110, 117, 119.
Myddle Pools, 12, 80, 81.
Myddle Manor, 15, 28, 27, 38, 86, 68. 78, 76, 94, 117,
118, 120, 180.
Myddle Parish Begister, 16.
Myddle Hectors, 16.
Myddle AdTowsons and Patrons, 14.
Myddle Church Terrier, 20.
Myddle Glebes, ftc. 20.
Myddle Easter Dues, 21.
Myddle Herriotts, 28.
Myddle Constable of Castle, 28.
Mjddle Hill, 27, 81, 86, 87. 67, 90, 106. 108.
Myddle Castle, 27, 28, 29, 30, 61, 81, 98, 117.
Myddle Park, 28, 29, 40, 49, 67, 121.
Myddle Wood, 29, 86, 41, 49, 67, 62, 101, 115. 184, 185.
136.
Myddle Wood Common, 88, 184.
Myddle Court, 88, 62.
Myddle Sixpences. 67.
MyUford, 99.
Mytton, Mr, of Halston. 41, 11.
Mytton, General 41, 179.
Nantwich, 67, 68, 161.
Neawans, Family o( 129.
Ness Strange, 28.
Nesscliffe. 28, 29.
Newton-on-the-Hill, 9, 10, 12, 17, 30, 82, 36, 36. 37, 89,
40, 46, 47, 48, 68, 64, 70, 78, 79, 80, 81, 88, 94, 96.
97, 106, 107, 109, 110, 116, 118, 121, 124, 129, 148.
Newtons, Family of. 79, 187.
Newton John, Murder of, 187.
Newport, Lord 86. 87, 94,
Newport, Sir Richard 94, 119, 129.
Newport, Sir Francis 17.
Newmarket, 102.
Nicholas, Family o^ 116, 140.
Niclas Thomas, 44.
Nightingales, Family of, 65, 69, 94, 100, 117, 122, 147,
149.
Nocke, John 140, 141, 142.
Noneleys, Family o^ 80, 104, 112, 113, 119, 120, 181.
149, 160.
Norfolk, Duke of; 26.
Notting^iam, 89.
OakeleyGate,17, 89.
Oliyer Cromwell, 181, 142.
Old Field Lane, 10, 87.
Old Field, 24, 87, 83.
Onslow, Sir WilKam, 47.
Onslow, Family of, 48, 41^ 62, 68, 77, 91, 107.
Oieds, Family of, 88, 121.
Oreton Maddock, Flintshire, 124.
Osweetnr, 38, 86, 87, 40, 42, 91, 96, 96, 97, 99, 102, 108,
108, 185, 148, 166, 179.
Ofwestry, Siege at, 179.
Oswestry Castle, 179.
Oswestry Church, 179.
Oteley Park, 81, 41.
Oteley Hall, 41.
Otiey, Mr. 19.
Outram, Robert 118.
Owen Glendower, 24.
Owens, Family of, 89, 40, 41, 49, 66, 80, 82, 106, 161.
Oxford, 18, 120.
Palin, John 106.
Parbott, Thomas of Franckton, 160,
Parbin, Family of, 106.
Paiaes, FamUy o^ 40, 96. 132, 139, 148, 147, 153.
Park Gate, Cockshutt, 122.
Parkes, Family of; 17, 88, 79, 82, 156, 166.
Parson's Bame, 68.
Partridge Meadow, 76.
Peirpont, William, 122, 123.
Pains Brook, 10, 17, 87.
Pembertons of Wrockwardine, Family o^ 128,
Pen-y-Uan, Oswestry, 127.
Pen Brooke, 12, 93, 108, 109.
Peplows, FamDy of, 119.
Peplow, 81, 129.
Percy, Henry Lord, 24.
Percy, Thomas Earl of Worcester, 24.
Peny Riyer. 27.
Petton, 9, 10. 14. 49, 63, 55, 71,96, 140.
Pickering, Thomas 110.
Pickstockis, Family of; 88, 92, 149.
Pidgeon. Mary of Besfont, 56.
Pierce, Doyd, Esq. 31, 45, 48, 49, 51, 61, 164, 159.
Pierce, Family of, 66, 69, 60, 148.
PimhiU,30.
Pimhill, Hundred o^ 9, 50, 67. 78, 144.
Fimley Mill, 10.
Pinchbrook, 16, 17, 89.
Pitchford, Robert of Preston Brockhurst, 63.
Plash Park, 135.
Piatt Bridge, 27.
Piatt, Na&aniel, 162.
Rungens, Family of, 60, 61, 56, 59, 98, 113.
Plymouth, 24.
Podmore, Arthur 139.
Popes Farm, 97.
Powell Vayaser, 98,
Powell, Dr. of Hodnett, 116.
Powell, John 158.
Preece, Family of; 11, 40, 79, 80, 81, 91, 163.
Frees Heath, 76.
Preston Gubbalds, 9. 11, 74, 76, 132.
Preston Brockhurst. 101, 117, 138.
Price, Family of, 68, 69, 120, 167.
Priors Lee, 189.
Probert, Anne 80.
Puller, Abraham 78.
Pye, Thomas 94.
I^e, Anne, 94.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
Ralphs, Family of, 20, 71, 167, 158.
Banlston — of Doniii£toD, 182,
Banulph, let Earl of Chester, 28.
Rea, Capt. of Wicherly, ^6.
Bed Ball, The, BroughtoD, 114.
Eeece, Griffith ^11, 79, 80, 81, 91, 158.
Reeves or Reve, Family of, 84, 46, 50, 62, 69, 71, 76, 77,
78, 117, 132, 188, 188.
Reginaldo de Acton, 86.
Reynolds, Humphrey, 15, 51.
Ricardo de Haloh, 85, 53,
Ricardus de Peitton, 85.
Ricardus Lewellin, 35.
Rico de Leten. 86.
Richardson, Key. Joshua 18, 19, 22, 83. 65, 69, 70, 76,
78, 158.
Richardson, Dr. 15.
Richardson, Capt. 19, 65, 125, 126, 182.
Richardson, Mr. of Wem, 56.
Richard III, King 24.
Richmond, Duke of, 24, 25.
Ridley, Hugh 64,
Rinken, Col. 171.
Rohins Rowst, 121.
Roherts, Earle Lord Deputy of Ireland, 88.
Rohertus Medicus, 85.
Rochester, Earl of, 87.
Roderick, Richard 40, 41, 144.
Rodington, 143.
Roden Riyer, 12.
Roden. George 59.
Roe, Family of, 62,65.
Rogers, Family of, 88, 57, 91, 186, 156, 100.
Roger of Borelton, 54.
Rowland, Bishop 64.
Ruckley,109.
Rupert, Prince, 82, 41.
Russells, Family of, 61, 62, 68, 64.
Ruyton 11 Towns, 96, 120, 188, 148.
Ruyton, Names of 11 Towns, 96,
Ruyton, Manor of, 95.
Rye Bank, Wem, 98.
Saiidsaw, 129, 145,
Sansaw Heath, 10.
Sandford, Roger 47, 110, 121, 129.
Sawyer, Capt. 103.
Scar of the Rocke, 17.
Scc^gan (William Preece) 11, 40, 80. 81,
Scnven, Sir Thomas, 46, 88.
Seyem River, 10, 29.
Sharp, Moses 54.
Shawbnry, 9. 10, 68, 64.
Shawhury Heath, 10.
Shaw, Family of. 82, 88, 147, 148.
Shelyocke, 20, 120.
Sherry, Reynold 82.
Sherd Oake, 112.
Shotton, 82, 87. 64.
Shotton Farm, 9, 44, 45, 68, 64.
Shrawardine Castle, 40, 41.
Shrcwshury, 11, 12, 18, 24, 29, 81, 82, 87, 88, 40, 49,
51, 56, 68, 68, 72. 78, 80, 86, SB, 89, 91, 92, 95,
108, 105, 108, 118, 118, 122, 126, 127, 128, 129,
180, 185, 144, 177.
Shrewsbury, Siege of, 176.
Shrewsbury Castle, 177.
Shrewsbury, Plague at, 177.
Shrewsbury, Free School Removed to Grinshill, 177,
Shrewsbury, Remarkable Events at, 178.
Shrewsbury, St. Mary's 136, 188,
Shrewsbury, Liberties of, 9, 186.
Shrewsbury, Battle of, 24.
Shrewsbury Schools. 86, 87, 118, 124.
Shrewsbury, St. Alkmond's Church, 105.
Shrewsbury Assizes at, 1 19.
Silvestre, Adam, 23.
Simcocks, Nathaniel, 164.
Sleap, 139.
Sleape Hall, 12, 87, 45, 50, 51, 68, 76, 104, 105.
Sleape Towne, 12, 87, 50, 105.
Sleape Brooke, 12.
Sleape Gorse, 76.
Sling Lane, 87.
Small Heath Gate, 17, 88.
Smallman, Mr. Minister of Einnerley, 48.
Smethcott, 9, 10, 63, 64.
Smiths, Family of, 54, 82, 114. 129, 188, 145.
Solemn League and Covenant, 19.
Somerfield, Susanna 122.
Speedlove, Thomas 100.
Stanley, Sir George, 28, 24, 25.
Stanley, Sir John 23, 24.
Stanley, Lord 24.
Stanley, Family of, 25.
Stauwill Dam Pool. 10.
Stanwai-dine, 20, 45, 46, 49, 55, 144, 148.
Stanwardine HaU, 46, 47, 155, 166.
Stan way, Roland. 162.
Slocket 132
Strange, The Lords 28. 24 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 36, 38, 5$.
Sturdy, WUliam 88.
Suger, Mr., of Broughton, 84, 100, 136.
Suger, Humphry 186.
Sugdon, 46.
Suker, William 62.
Suker, Hugh llO.
Swanwicke, Capt. 65,
Sweeney Hall. 62, 96. 98, 99, 108.
Sweeney, 96. 97, 98, 99, 101, 102, 108, 148.
Sweeney, Old 97.
Taylors, Family of, 29, 40, 68, 80, 149, 151, 152.
TayWs Lane, 87.
Teague, Mair 65.
The Rowlands, 73.
Thom. de Muridon, 86.
Thomas Godfrey, 120.
Thomes. Family of, 20, 48, 120, 121.
TiUeyPark,12.38, 65. 138,
Tilley Park, 12, 77, 83, 149.
TUdley or Tyldsley, Family of, 79, 82, 161.
Tomkm's Farm, 45.
Tomkins, Family of, 48, 68.
Tong. Family of, 88. 118, 121, 122.
Tong, Thomas Rector of Myddle, 16, 88. lia
Trevlech. 108.
Trevor. Family ol 82, 158.
Treverdodd near Oswestry, 158.
Turners, Family of. 75. 104. 182, 148.
Twiford, Family of, 81, 49, 56.
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ANTIQUITIES AND MEMOIRS OF MYDDLE.
211
Twigse, Family of, 64. 75, 120, 121.
Tydor or Tudor, Family of. 63.
Tylers, Family of. 47, 50. 51, 56, 58. 59, 74, 88, 109, 110
111, 112, 113, 114, 132, 147, 154.
Uffington, 109.
Vaughans, Family of, 39, 51, 58, l05, 122, 139, 152.
Vernon, Sir II. 114, 115.
Vernon, Sir Kobert, 129, 130.
Vernon, Tbomas 114, 115,
Waggc, Family of. 151, 156.
Wakeley, Family of, 104.
Walford, 38, 45, 46, 78, 1 25.
Walford, Manor of, 45, 145.
Walford. Lord of, 45, 145,
Wareing, John of Shrewsbury, 77.
Wareing, Mr. of Woodcott, 46.
Watergate, 10.
Waters, Richard 94.
Watkins, Family of, 22, 30, 32. 37. 44, 45, 64, 65, 66, 69.
Wrtt«ons, Family of. 33. 57, 75, 114, 115, 148, 158.
Webscott Farme, 21, 120.
Webscott Grounds, 29.
Webscott Lane, 37.
Webscott, 37, 40, 61,83, 120, 121, 129, 138.
Welch, Francke, 63.
Weld, George, Esq., 163.
Wellington, 76.
'Welsh Franckton, 42.
Welshampton, 30, 31, 52, 62.
Wem, 9, 12, 19. 37, 38, 41, 55, 80, 81, 85. 106, 128, 139,
144, 145, 148, 149, 152.
Wem Mill Pool, 12, 149.
Wem Manor, 85, 86.
Wem Lordship, 85, 86.
Wem, Baron of, 86.
Wenlock. Family of, 61, 62. 110.
Weston LiiUingfield, 10, 37, 48, 49, 88, 95, 96, 112, 118,
145.
Wcston-under-Bed-Castle, 93.
Weston Bin, 97, 99.
Whitcombe, Capt. of Hardwicke, 65.
• Wliitcombe, Family of, 78.
Wliitchureh, 19, 83, 151.
White, Mr. of Meriton, 51.
Whitfield, Family of, 83.
Whiiall, 81. 124.
Wliitrishes, The 104.
Whittington, 140, 141.
Wicherley, 46.
Wicherley, Daniel of Clive, 46, 85, 86, 87, 100, 143.
Wicherley, William 83, 87, 88.
Wicherley Hall, 49.
Wicherley, Family of, 54, 84, 85.
Wike Sehnan, 137.
Wiken, Alice 124.
Wikey, 46, 143.
Wilkinson, Family of; 132, 145.
Willielm Banastre, 36.
Willm. ode Wolescot, 36,
Williams, Family of, 27. 82, 93.
WiUett, 91.
WUton, Mr. Thomas, Rector of Myddle, 15, 16, 22, 51,
134, 135.
Wilton, Inscription on Grave Stone, 15.
Wingfield, Thomas, Esq., of Shrewsbury, 101.
Winchester, Marauis of, 46, 85, 86.
Win, Sir John of Watstay, 47.
Win, Morgan, 90, 91.
Win, Richard, 90, 119.
Wirall Bayliffwicke, 23.
Wirrall, Cheshire, 88.
Witrish Lane, 33, 37.
Witrish House, 33, 81.
Wolfe, Wolph, or Woolph, Family of, 25, 27, 58, 85. 94,
105, 106, 107. 108, 152, 154: ' ' '
Wolverlev, 49, 145.
Wollerton, 49.
Wollascotts, Family of, 75.
Wombridge Priory, 136, 187. .
Woodhouses, 128.
Woodhouses, Shiflfnal 132.
Wood Leasows 90.
Wood, Wilham of Peplow, 88, 129.
Woods, Family of, 105, i06, 131.
Wood, Mr., Vicar of Shawbury, 160.
Wooderton, 46.
Woolrich, Collins, 66.
Woobich, Sir Thomas, 193.
Woolerton, 139,
Worcester, Battle of, 103. "
Wren, Dr^ Bishop of Lincoln, 123.
Wrights, Family of, 29, 45, IW, 132, 144, 145, 146, 152.
Wykey, Family of, 145.
Wytheford, 75, 120.
Yeomans, George 10, 62.
Yortoii, 78, 80, 136, 147,
Yorton Bridge, 10.
Yorton Heatti, 10, 31, 149.
Young, Philip 46.
Zanky, Mr., Rector of Hodnet, 142.
Zauky, Robert 142.
Zanky, Jerome 142.
ADNirr AND NAUNTON, GENEIIAL PRINTEKS, THE SQUABE, SHREWSBURY.
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